The president of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of (Parliament) Cuba, Esteban Lazo, paid tribute today to the Commander of the Revolution, Juan Almeida Bosque, on the 16th anniversary of his physical departure.
“Cuba pays tribute to Juan Almeida Bosque, on the 16th anniversary of his physical departure. As Fidel put it: He defended principles of justice that will be defended at any time and in any epoch. The conviction that no one gives up here will last forever”, said the parliamentary leader on social network X.
From that platform, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero also recalled the legacy of Almeida and his commitment to the tasks of the Homeland.
Considered one of the main drivers of the social, economic, and cultural changes that triumphed in January 1959, Juan Almeida was an outstanding combatant and revolutionary leader who held high military, state, and political positions.
From his humble origins in Havana, he was trained in patriotic values for the conquest of the rights that were denied to black people at that time.
After the coup d’état of March 10, 1952, he joined the struggle against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista (1952-1959), when he became associated with the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
Participated in the assault on the Moncada barracks in 1953, was part of the exile in Mexico, expedition of the yacht Granma, one of the founders of the Rebel Army, and stood out for his military cunning in battles such as the Uvero (1957).
He commanded the Third Guerrilla Front in Santiago de Cuba and held numerous responsibilities after the victory of January 1, 1959.
Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba since its foundation in 1965, he was a deputy and vice-president of the Council of State, among other high positions.
He was awarded the Honorary Title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Order Máximo Gómez of First Degree on 27 February 1998, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his promotion to Commander in the Sierra Maestra.
(Taken from PL)
