Oscar Lopez Rivera Participated in a Tribute to Fidel at the Casa del ALBA

Puerto Rican independence activist, Oscar Lopez Rivera participated on Wednesday in Havana in a tribute to the leader of the Revolution Fidel Castro, sponsored by the Organization in Solidarity with the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin American (OSPAAAL) and the Casa del ALBA Cultural.

The Tricontinental Audiovisual Space presented materials on Fidel and Patriotic songs, and reedited the awards of a photography contest as part of the campaign for the release of Oscar, who personally gave out the special recognition to the winners.

Some 140 people from 10 countries visited the Casa del ALBA Cultural, among them intellectuals, journalists, combatants and students to participate in the tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution and Oscar, paradigm of the Puerto Rican independence activists.

The President of the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Fernando Gonzalez Llort, who spent four years in the same cell with the Puerto Rican leader; the General Secretary of the OSPAAAL, Lourdes Cervantes and the Director of the Casa del Alba Cultural was alongside Oscar Lopez Rivera.

The videos exhibited contained images of Fidel in different moments in history, his speeches and constant exchanges with the people, international leaders and revolutionary movements and with the Cuban Five, one of which, Gerardo Hernandez appears speaking with the Commander in Chief.

Oscar closely watched the videos and feeling part of the tribute to Fidel said during his exchange with university students on Wednesday morning: his wisdom was shared with many peoples in the world, fomented solidarity and his example must be multiplied.

Oscar expressed gratitude after listening to the information on the work of OSPAAAL in support of the just causes of the peoples and in particular in the campaign for his release and the independence of Puerto Rico.

When one struggles, something special is born and you get to know good people that love justice and freedom, said Oscar.  He added that “I am profoundly grateful to be in Cuba, it is gratifying to be with the Cuban people that personifies the best of humanity and shows the potential of the people.

This visit gives me hope and energy, he said, we must fight to achieve a better and just world, the only thing that is impossible is when nothing is done.

This moment in Cuba signifies enjoying a dream, said Oscar, I feel super happy and concluded by saying, “Always Forward, Resistance and Struggle!”

The Puerto Rican independence activist arrived to Cuba last Sunday.  On Monday he participated in a tribute in his name at the headquarters of ICAP followed by a ceremony in which Oscar Lopez Rivera was granted the Solidarity Order conferred by the Council of State at the Jose Marti Memorial where placed a floral wreath in tribute to the National Hero.

Some of the other activities were a performance by La Colmenita and a visit to the University of Havana where Oscar Lopez Rivera exchanged with students; and a tour of Old Havana.  The program of activities will continue until the 26th where will travel to other provinces on the island.

Fuente: ACN

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