Rome, Apr 6 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban community in Italy and the embassy of the Caribbean country celebrated today in this capital the 64th anniversary of the José Martí Pioneer Organization (OPJM) and the 63rd anniversary of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) of that nation.
As part of the initiatives to celebrate the holiday, a children’s party was held at the Giulio Glorioso sports field in Rome’s San Paolo neighborhood, as well as a softball match between teams from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, comprised of nationals from both countries residing here and diplomatic officials.
The event was presided over by the island’s ambassador, Mirta Granda, who recalled that the Pioneers’ group was founded on April 4, 1961, while the UJC was created on the same date the following year. She emphasized that both play an important role in the formation of new generations committed to the revolutionary process.
For his part, Lázaro Martín, coordinator of the associations of Cubans residing in the center and south of this European nation, spoke about the importance of honoring the children and youth of the Caribbean country, who are part of a heroic people affected by the criminal economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
Cuba needs “the greatest support and solidarity we can provide” amid difficult conditions, primarily as a result of U.S. government measures, including its unilateral and unfair inclusion on the list of countries that allegedly support terrorism, he emphasized.
Granda thanked the Cubans living in Italy for this initiative, which had the support of the diplomatic mission, and noted that it was one of the events within the framework of the 17th Meeting of Cubans Residing in Europe (ECRE), to be held in Rome from October 24 to 26 of this year.
This event will be a fundamental space for bringing together good-hearted compatriots who support and defend the Cuban Revolution from all over the world. They will be able to exchange ideas on topics of common interest, and new cultural and solidarity projects will be presented there.
At this meeting, various aspects of the relationship between the nation and emigration will be evaluated, including new immigration laws, and potential contributions to the country’s economic development will be discussed, among many other topics.
Also in October, on the sidelines of the 17th ECRE, the Italian capital will host the 4th edition of the Cuba Va Conmigo Festival, for Cuban nationals living abroad. A large presence of artists from all walks of life is expected.
The call for these events invites “Cubans of good will, promoters of peace, and especially those with a deep love for their homeland, because Homeland is humanity, as Martí said, and Cuba unites us from every corner of the world.”
rgh/ort
