The bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Cuba began 40-years ago under President Fidel Castro. As a way to cement that long lasting relationship, the Cuban Embassy in Sierra Leone on Saturday 30 June 2018, hosted a cocktail dinner to celebrate with their Sierra Leonean counterparts at the Brookfield Hotel in Freetown.
According to the Cuban Ambassador, Leonel Lazo Montalvo, said, “Cubans have been in Sierra Leone since 1972, and today is a great opportunity to be celebrating with the people of Sierra Leone.” He noted that in 2005, the late President Kabbah was the first to have visited Cuba from Africa, noting that ever since their bond with Sierra Leone is growing from strength to strength.
Ambassador Montalvo said presently they have 12 Sierra Leonean students studying in Cuba under a Cuban scholarship scheme. He added that in September 2018, four more students will be also leaving the shores of Sierra Leone to continue their studies in Cuba.
According to the President of Cuba and Sierra Leone Friendship Club, Patrick Don Davis, “Sierra Leone is the first country to extend a hand of friendship to the Republic of Cuba.” He said Cuba has been supporting Sierra Leone immensely in the areas of education and health sectors over the years.
The Ghanaian Ambassador, Francis Abakab, applauded the Cuban Embassy for their support to Sierra Leone, especially in the health sector. He said giving scholarships to Sierra Leonean students to study in Cuba will boost the Sierra Leone health system in the years ahead.
Chairing the event, Patrick Baibai Kabia, of the Cuban Embassy, said a lot of support has come from the Cuban government, citing their contribution to Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak.
MJB/3/7/18
By Mohamed J. Bah
Tuesday July 03, 2018.
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