Southern Cross Solidarity Brigade Tours Fidel Castro’s Birthplace
- Written by Liset Prego Díaz
- Published in Holguin
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The Southern Cross Solidarity Brigade tours different historical sites, communities and institutions of economic and social interest. Photos: By the author.The Australian Lía Weitzel came to Cuba for the first time with her father, when she was seven years old and was a member of the Southern Cross Solidarity Brigade of that country.
The brigade was intended to bring some of its culture, friendship between the peoples and the support of their countrymen, represented by a group that already for 37 consecutive years arrive to the Island to visit different historical sites, communities and institutions of economic and social interest.
Lía WeitzelToday, Lía returns to the island with her father. She is presiding over the Solidarity Brigade and visits Fidel Castro’s birthplace. She is accompanied by 12 Australians of different ages who from December 28 to January 17 will tour Cuba.
In Birán they were welcomed with a cultural activity performed by the pioneers of the “6 de Agosto” school of the community.
One of the Australian girls asks how in Cuba all young people know how to dance and sing so well; others ask about the educational system of the island; everyone receives the message of solidarity of the Cuban people for the tragedy that fires have brought to Australia. They go through history, while the guide explains moments of Fidel's childhood, of the struggle in the Sierra Maestra, of the revolutionary triumph, of the life of Lina, of Angel, of the family of the revolutionary leader.
“We are very moved to be in Birán, a very special place for Cubans and for all of us. We are very fortunate to always be received in your country in a special way. It is an honor to have this day to celebrate Fidel and the Cuban people,” said Lia.
The young girl Emma Williams, a member of the brigade, said she finds joy in knowing Cuba, its history and in the bond of both countries.
“Actually the moral weight of the solidarity they exert is throughout the year. However, on the 17th of each month from Sydney they demand the end of the U.S. blockade against Cuba and the return of the illegally occupied territory of the Guantanamo naval base. They also make frequent declarations of solidarity towards Cuba, put pressure on their government to vote in favor of our country at the UN and throughout the year provide financial and material support for different projects such as Ronda de los Sueños, a school for autistic children in Cienfuegos or hospitals”, explains Rafaela Valerino, director of the Brigade and official of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples.
Activities also include lectures on the Cuban economic model, Cuba-United States relations, and the cultural space the Australian Night where members of the brigade show part of their culture.
