He added that both countries have been enjoying bilateral relations since the Siaka Stevens and APC days.

He informed his audience that Sierra Leone is the first African country to forge a relationship with Cuba and that this has blossomed for over 50 years now, adding that Cuba is capable of assisting Sierra Leone in diverse ways.

The SALCUBA president went on to state that during the Ebola epidemic, Cuba sent a medical team to assist and that one of them even died and was buried in the country.

Also speaking at the event was the Charge’ d’Affaires of the Cuba Embassy in Freetown, Leonel Lazo Montalvo. He said October is a very special month to Cubans because it was during this month they started fighting against the Spanish empire, adding that on October 31st Cuba would present a document to end the economic blockade with the USA.

President of SALCUBA, Jerry W. Thomas gave a brief background of the association which he said was formed whilst they were studying at Fourah Bay College (FBC) in the mid 1960s.

He added that after the formal launch of the association, they continued exchanging correspondences with the Cuba Friendship Society and that in 1974 the Cuban Institute of Friendship invited two members of SALCUBA to go on study tour.

He said he was appointed to lead the delegation, an experience he described as a life time one. He added that so far, “We are happy that Cuba has re-opened their embassy in Sierra Leone and I hope that our younger friends now leading the society will use this opportunity to transform and revitalize the society and strengthen the ties between our two nations.”