A Eucharistic celebration in Roseau has marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between Dominica and Cuba, while honouring Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre and commemorating the centennial of the birth of Fidel Castro.
The Mass, held on Saturday, September 19, brought together officials, members of the Cuban community resident in Dominica, Dominican graduates of Cuban universities, Cuban collaborators and friends of Cuba in what was described as an atmosphere of faith, gratitude and brotherhood.
Among those present were Her Excellency Josette Matthew, Acting President of the Commonwealth of Dominica; the Honourable Dr Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dominica's Ambassador to Cuba, Ian Douglas; Cuba's Ambassador to Dominica, Miguel Fraga; and other members of the House of Assembly. Father Frantzo Simbert presided over the celebration.
In his homily, Father Simbert gave thanks for Cuba's historic solidarity in the fields of health and education, not only with Dominica but with the Caribbean as a whole. The singing of an excerpt from «La Guantanamera» during the Mass was a particularly moving moment of the day.
Addressing those gathered, Ambassador Fraga spoke, in his words, «as a Cuban who simply wants to say thank you». He thanked the Church for hosting the celebration, dedicated to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in a year that combines a tribute to Fidel Castro with three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ambassador referred to the difficult situation Cuba faces because of the intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States, and in particular to new measures regarding fuel supplies, which he asserted constitute «a silent genocide» with human consequences, including an increase in infant mortality and a decline in the survival rates of children with cancer.
«Behind these measures there are not just numbers: there are families, there are children, there are the elderly, there are the sick — there are human beings,» he said, emphasising that «Cuba is not a threat; the Embargo is.»
Despite the difficulties, Ambassador Fraga reaffirmed hope as something no sanction can take away from the Cuban people, recalling the words of Pope Francis, who called the Virgin of Charity «Mother of Hope», and the recent prayer of Pope Leo XIV asking for her protection for all the children of that beloved land.
Quoting José Martí — «with all and for the good of all» — the ambassador emphasised that Cuba will continue to move forward with the strength of its people and the solidarity of brothers and sisters like those in Dominica. «Cuba is alive! Cuba is fighting!» he declared.
He also extended his best wishes for the well-being of the Dominican people on their own path, legacy and future, and for the continued strengthening of the deep bonds of friendship that unite both peoples.
The celebration concluded with a message of blessing for the peoples of Cuba and Dominica, and with a renewed call for solidarity and peace among peoples.
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