MONTREAL — More than 50 people joined in a demonstration at the Cuban Consulate here July 26 celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks led by Fidel Castro that was the opening guns of the Cuban Revolution.
The action was organized by the Quebec-Cuba Solidarity Roundtable. The participants chanted, “Cuba sí, bloqueo no!” (Cuba yes, blockade no!), and many motorists passing by honked in support. Participants cheered and waved back, expressing their appreciation.
During a short program, Cuban Consul Angel Aurelio Torres Jaime thanked those present for “being at the side of the Cuban people for the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada Barracks — a symbol of the spirit of the Cuban Revolution that still lives.”
He also condemned the punishing U.S. economic war, which means the “Cuban people are living through a difficult moment, but are keeping their heads held up high.”
The celebration continued for two hours with food, drinks, music and conversation. Torres and Quebec-Cuba Solidarity Roundtable leader Christine Dandenault cut a cake commemorating the anniversary.
Mayuka Abdullai, originally from Ghana, came with his brother and roommate. “I’m happy to be at my first July 26 celebration and I hope next year’s is bigger with more Africans,” he told the Militant. “I remember that Fidel came to Ghana and gave a speech supporting the struggles of the African people. And many students from Ghana went to Cuba to learn to become doctors.”