Born on 13 August 1926, Fidel led the Cuban Revolution that overthrew the brutal, US-backed Batista dictatorship and transformed Cuba into a country determined to defend its sovereignty against the full weight of US imperialism. For decades, Washington sought to isolate, destabilise and destroy revolutionary Cuba. Fidel survived assassination plots and relentless attempts to crush the revolution, standing as a symbol of Cuba’s refusal to bend before imperialist power.
Despite being shackled by imperialist embargoes, Fidel led Cuba to socialism and created systems of universal healthcare and education that shame much more prosperous capitalist countries, including its big-brotherly neighbour, the USA. With Fidel at the helm, Cuba supported the anti-colonial struggles, practicing internationalism with all its might. Fidel is especially fondly remembered by the African nations as a true friend who stood firmly with the national liberation struggles of Africa. Cuban troops helped Angola resist aggression by apartheid South African troops and helped Namibia win freedom.
In a letter dated August 13 to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the life and revolutionary legacy of Fidel Castro remain a powerful symbol of resistance to imperialism, the struggle for socialism and internationalism.
The letter recalled the historic significance of the Cuban Revolution, which broke the grip of US domination over Cuba, ushered in an era of people’s welfare and socialist construction, and defended the country’s sovereignty in the face of relentless imperialist aggression.
The letter also highlighted Cuba’s unwavering solidarity with peoples fighting oppression and injustice across the world. Its internationalist medical missions in different countries, the letter said, remain an enduring expression of Fidel Castro’s internationalist legacy.
CPI(ML) Liberation strongly condemned the continuing hostile policy of US imperialism towards Cuba. The letter noted that US imperialism continues to threaten Cuba and pursue aggressive attempts to destabilise the country. The party declared that it stands resolutely with the Cuban people as they carry forward the revolutionary legacy of Fidel Castro and defend Cuba’s sovereignty, socialism and independence.
Reiterating its firm solidarity with the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people, CPI(ML) Liberation reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Cuba in its struggle against imperialism threats. The letter concluded with the iconic revolutionary slogan of the Cuban Revolution: “¡Hasta la victoria siempre!”
