THE Humanistic Solidarity Association (Saint Lucia-Cuba) on Friday, April 9, 2021 bade farewell to Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marin at a ceremony held both physically and virtually at the Finance Administrative Centre at Pointe Seraphine, Castries.
Ambassador Marin commenced his diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia in December 2010 and demitted office on Saturday, April 10.
Marlene Alexander, President of the HSA, who presided over the ceremony, in her welcome remarks espressed appreciation and gratitude to the departing ambassador and his family for thier immeasurable support and dedication to the work programme of the association and the excellent relationship that existed between the Embassay and the Association.
Among the invited guests who also paid tribute and expressed their thanks and gratitude to the departing Ambassador, were Dame Pearlette Lousy, former Saint Lucia Ambassador to Cuba Jovita St. Marthe and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Ambassador Anthony Severin.
Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre also virtually paid tribute and recorded the immense gratitude and appreciation for the Government and people of Cuba for their tremendous support to Saint Lucia.
He also underscored the humility and fundamental underpining qualities of Cuban Ambassadors and expressed his sadness with the ambassador’s depature.
According to the HSA president, during his relatively short tenure, compounded by the unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic challenges, the Ambassador was able to provide invaluable support to the association and facilitated several new initiatives for the benefit of the Government and people of Saint Lucia.
The Cuban Ambassador’s engagement with the Association, was characterized by true friendship, comradery support, admiration and the deepening of a collaborative relationship between the Embassy of Cuba and the Association.
Through his efforts, Saint Lucia was the recipient of 113 Cuban medical doctors and nurses and other technical and health professionals attached to the Henry Reeves International Medical Brigade. They came at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist Saint Lucia in the fight to mitigate the pandemic.
Saint Lucia also recorded the largest contingent of medical and technical professionals attached to the brigade in the various fields since its inception.
Some of the many engagements of the Ambassador in Saint Lucia was highlighted in a music video presentation.
He fulfilled his two-year diplomatic stint in Saint Lucia exemplary with immense vigor. His warm, caring and hospitable nature will be truly missed.
Ambassador Marin was presented with an award of recognition and his wife Lourdes and son Dario were also presented with gifts of appreciation.
Saint Lucia’s award-winning artist and sculpture Mr. JalimUdovic also presented a special gift to the Ambassador, one of which was the miniature of the Castries roundabout and a sculptured handshake plaque, depicting the friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador Alejandro in his remarks, thanked everyone for all the kind expressions and memories during the past two years saying it will be years he will never forget.
He also highlighted the historical and special relationship between Saint Lucia and Cuba and the special friendship, solidarity and cooperation that exist between the two countries.
The touching ceremony concluded with the ambassador and his family being serenaded by well know Saint Lucia singer Linda Berthier with the song entitled “I Was Here” by Beyoncé.