Sat | Apr 25, 2026

Viva la revolución! Cuba celebrates historic event

Published:Sunday | January 26, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Pause
From left: It was all celebration as Isaskun Concepción, Mabel Rodrigues, and Martha Concepción smile for our camera.
Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready (left) and Arun Kashyap, resident representative, United Nations Development Programme, having a chat.
Jamaica's minister of water, land, environment and climate change, Robert Pickersgill (left), joins Cuban Ambassador Bernardo Guanche Hernández in toasting the 55th anniversary of the Cuban revolution.
Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Robert Pickersgill (left) has a quick chat with Cuban Ambassador Bernardo Guanche Hernández.
Cuban Ambassador Bernardo Guanche Hernández shares the spotlight with his wife, Mabel Rodrigues, and their handsome son, Carlos Manuel.
1
2
3
4
5

Krysta Anderson, lifestyle reporter

Cuban rum and Jamaican beers reigned supreme even though there was libation of various descriptions and origin at the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Cuban revolution.

The red-carpet affair, held on the lawns of the residence of the Cuban ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche Hernández, saw invited guests receiving a warm greeting at the event.

A bright light above a pool of dark rocks (among other lights) and the white decor set the tone for the night in reflecting the success of the Cuban revolution as well as the peace which followed.

The threat of inclement weather did not dither the scores of guests who turned out to remember the historic occasion. It was an evening of celebration and welcome for the relatively new Cuban ambassador and his family at their first official function.

The flags of the two neighbouring countries - Jamaica and Cuba - swayed on either sides of the stage as an attentive audience listened to the playing of the Cuban national anthem.

A power outage interrupted the playing of the Jamaican national anthem, but those present raised their voices in song, and even with electricity restored, continued until the end.

In his welcoming remarks, the ambassador spoke of his country's journey to independence and its relationship with its closest neighbour, Jamaica.

Guest speaker Robert Pickersgill, minister of water, land, environment and climate change, focused on the impressive gains Cuba has made in advancing the welfare of its people.

The night's entertainment included Camilla Seguda, who played some beautiful pieces from Cuban as well as international composers on the piano, while the queen of reggae, Marcia Griffiths, electrified the stage, ending the formalities for the night.

As a light shower trickled down, some guests made their way to the exit while others lined up to get a taste of delectable Cuban dishes and also keep the bars busy.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer