The late Cuban Revolutionary leader El Commandant Fidel Castro
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust President Dr Norbert Hosho has paid tribute to the late Cuban revolutionary leader, Cde Fidel Castro Ruz saying the late revolutionary’s legacy is a source of inspiration against Imperialism.
In his speech on November 25 at the laying of the wreath at the Fidel Castro’s memorial plaque erected at the corner Kaguvi Street and Fidel Castro Street (formerly Charter) in the Harare CBD, Dr Hosho touched on a number of issues relating to the Cuba-Zimbabwe relations as well as the importance of honouring revolutionary figures in the mould of Fidel Castro Ruz.
“We honour a revolutionary icon today who not only made a lasting impact on the people of Cuba but also on the continent of Africa, particularly on Zimbabwe.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST) honours Comrade Fidel for his humanist philosophy, brilliant ideas, and outstanding leadership. Comrade Fidel is a constant source of inspiration for us as we advance the anti-sanctions movement in Zimbabwe, because Cuba under his leadership has managed to withstand economic sanctions imposed by the United States since 1962, making it a shining example of how to bust sanctions today,” he said.
Dr Hosho condemned the US imposed sanctions on Cuba and Zimbabwe in totto declaring that Zimbabwe and Cuba deserve self determination and independence.
“Today, the United States continues to impose illegal sanctions on both Cuba and Zimbabwe, and we once again declare our support for the two countries’ shared stance of resolutely upholding the independence and self-determination of their respective peoples,” declared Dr Hosho.
For 22 years Zimbabwe has endured the debilitating effects of economic sanctions which have hampered economic growth and affected the life of ordinary people.
On the other hand, Cuba has lived under sanctions for 61 years after US President John F Kennedy introduced Proclamation 3447 in February 1962, Embargo on All Trade with Cuba, designed to isolate Cuba and stop the spread of so-called Sino-Soviet Communism. In a memo in 1960, the assistant secretary of state, Lester D Mallory wrote, “Every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba.”
Dr Hosho also acknowledged the efforts by Zimbabwe led by president Mnangagwa and Cuba in fostering the continued fight against Imperialism.
“Under the direction of His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, the Second Republic in Zimbabwe has persevered in defying pressure from the sanctions imposers and has kept forging closer ties with Cuba, a true and all-weather friend for the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
According to the ZAST president, the Cuba Zimbabwe relations should continue to be nurtured and his organisation will continue to maintain the relationship.
“ZAST will always value Comrade Fidel’s outstanding legacy of standing up for the independence of the people at all costs. We are eager to maintain the Cuba-Zimbabwe relationship and to keep bolstering our solidarity with Cuba,” he reiterated.
Castro is today regarded as one of the revolutionary leaders who stood against Imperialism as he stuck to promotion of Independence and Self Determination. Beginning in 1958, Fidel Castro and his forces began a campaign of guerrilla warfare which led to the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.
As the new Cuba leader, Castro implemented communist domestic policies and initiated military and economic relations with the Soviet Union that led to strained relations with the United States. The tension between the United States and Cuba culminated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
After the US imposed sanctions on the country, Castro initiated a host of strategies to bust the sanctions and Cuba has lived with the sanctions which have caused untold suffering to the people of Cuba. He died in November 2016 and Cuba celebrates his legacy annually.
