Thousands pay tribute to Fidel in Namibia
Granma | Friday, 9 December 2016 | Click here for original article
The posthumous tribute, held in the gardens of Namibia’s Parliament building, was broadcast live by channel NBC and saw the participation of the all senior members of government, the SWAPO Party and representatives of the diplomatic corps
Windhoek.—Thousands of people attended a solemn ceremony in the capital – led by Namibian President Hage Geingob - in honour of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
According to the Cuban Embassy in Namibia, the posthumous tribute, held in the gardens of Namibia’s Parliament building, was broadcast live by channel NBC and saw the participation of the all senior members of government, the SWAPO Party and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Namibian professionals, who graduated from the island’s universities, as well as Cuban collaborators and nationals living in the African nation, also participated in the act.
Geingob described the leader of the Cuban Revolution as a hero and reiterated that Namibia “owes its eternal gratitude to Cuba and Fidel.”
He went on to recall the great sacrifice made by Cubans who fought to defend the people of Africa.
The leader also reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support to the island in its struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade, imposed by successive U.S. administrations for over 50 years.
On behalf of all Namibians educated under the Cuban Revolution, National Police Chief, Lieutenant General Sebastián Ndeitunga, gave a moving speech, in which he recalled Fidel’s frequent visits to the Isle of Youth where many Namibians studied, and his constant support and encouragement.
Namibian revolutionaries Sam Nujoma and Andimba Toivo; secretary general of the Swapo Party, Nangolo Mbumba, and Cuban Ambassador to Namibia, Giraldo Mazola, also spoke during the event.
Watch: BBC: Fidel Castro 'came to free us', says Namibia president
