By Rubén G. Abelenda (*)
Banjul. – How many emotions and feelings of mutual brotherhood emerged in an activity that we celebrated this October 8th at the headquarters of our embassy here, where we imposed on the president of the Gambia-Cuba Solidarity Association, Joseph Modou Peh Grant, the Medal of Friendship awarded by the Council of State of the Republic of the Greater Antilles.
After decorating him, in the presence of the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mamadou Tangara, and other guests, Grant expressed, with the modesty that characterizes him, that this high distinction is not only his, but also of all his compatriots, who admire and appreciate the historical help of the people and government of the Caribbean island to their country and to this continent.
Very moved by the recognition received, proposed by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the loyal friend paid tribute to the Heroic Guerrilla Ernesto Che Guevara, to commemorate this October 8th one more anniversary of his death in combat in Bolivian lands , and the leader of the Revolution of the Antillean nation, Fidel Castro.
He stated that from a very young age he has been a great admirer of Che and Fidel, about whom – he affirmed – they were men very supportive of Africa, and they will always live in our hearts by their example.
Very exciting words we also heard, at the closing of the ceremony, from the Gambian Chancellor, when he expressed that the Heroic Guerrilla sowed seeds throughout this region that will germinate eternally.
In the same way, honorable Tangara thanked Commander in Chief Fidel and his people for the selfless collaboration they have given to The Gambia, and that they continue to do in different spheres, especially health, amid the Covid19 pandemic that is hitting the humanity.
The phrase that the Minister of Foreign Affairs pronounced will go down in history, when he said that «Cuba is the most African country in the world outside of Africa», in clear allusion to solidarity, brotherhood and blood ties, cultural and emancipator struggles that unite us.
There were present at the activity the members of the Gambia-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group Assan Touray, BabagallehJalow, and Isatou Sonko, secretary of that group of the National Assembly.
The same was attended by young Gambians graduated from the Caribbean archipelago, and a representation of the Cuban Medical Brigade (BMC) that heals and saves lives throughout the entire territory of this West African nation.
Another expression of a BMC collaborator at the end of the event shocked several of those present who could hear it: “Today we honored dear Grant with the Medal of Friendship, but at the same time we Cubans were decorated with much love and the gratitude of this brother people”.
(*) Ambassador of Cuba in Gambia
"An Island on a Continent" 