By Rubén G Abelenda
Ambassador of Cuba in The Gambia
On May 19th, The Gambia and Cuba will celebrate 42 years of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, based from the beginning on the precepts of friendship, solidarity and mutual cooperation.
While it is true that Cuba has selflessly collaborated with The Gambia in the health spheres, in the training of professionals in medicine and in other areas, in addition to agriculture, it is also a reality that the people and authorities of this West African nation have been alongside the largest of the Antilles on all international stages.
Currently, around 150 doctors, nurses and experts in health technology make up the Medical Brigade (BMC) of the Caribbean island who provide humanitarian services in different regions of this country. They have been doing so for more than two
decades.
Similarly, Cuban professors who are members of the BMC teach classes at the Banjul Medical University, as part of the collaboration in the training of future doctors, not only Gambians but also students from other African states, a project that was pioneered here and will soon mark 25 years of existence.
Last January, and in accordance with the intention of continuing to strengthen bilateral ties, The Gambia and Cuba signed a sports agreement that in the near future will allow collaboration in this area.
The Gambia has accompanied Cuba in its fight against the blockade imposed by the US until today, both at the UN General Assembly and at the African Union (AU) by supporting resolutions that reject and demand an end to this cruel and aggressive Washington policy.
At other international stages, it has continued to support the Antillean archipelago as a sign of solidarity and brotherhood.
Introducing oneself as a Cuban in The Gambia elicits automatic expressions of affection, respect and unlimited gratitude. Mentioning the historical leader of the Revolution of the Caribbean nation, Fidel Castro, and the heroic guerrilla, Ernesto Che Guevara, is as if they both ride forever through these lands, because of the affection people profess for them.
We are sure that The Gambia and Cuba, two small nations with scarce natural resources, but with great dignity, will eternally celebrate the anniversaries of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, which will undoubtedly improve to higher heights. The peoples of the two countries are united by blood, historical and cultural ties that make them brothers forever.
Congratulations to The Gambia for this May 19th anniversary, and for Africa Day, which will be celebrated on May 25th.
