The Cuban Ambassador to the Gambia, Carlos Salsa Mendy, on Saturday, 24th November, hosted a dinner for members of the press, at his residence in Fajara. The gathering comprised the MDs, editors and reporters from the major media houses in the country.

Speaking at the intellectually charged occasion, Ambassador Mendy expressed delight at receiving the Gambian press. Such gathering, he said, would help strengthen the special relationship between the two countries. “I am always open to the media, so you are you are always welcome,” he told journalists, adding that, “it is important that we can share information among ourselves.”

Ambassador Mendy sighted the cultural and historical ties between Africa and Latin America, and he observed the well informed nature of a great chunk of the Gambian populace on Cuban and Latin American affairs, vis-a-vis, Africa, USA and the rest of the world. He recalled that shortly after the ailing Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, fell ill, he met with a watchman at the RVTH, who stunned him with his proclamation of the strongness of the Cuban establishment.

“This”, he said, “is an indication that Gambians are not only informed about Cuban affairs, but that they share the feelings of the Latin American nation, given our historical bond, in terms of colonial oppression and the continued injustices from the western world. The Ambassador further observed what he termed “the spontaneous intelligence of the Gambians. And to his guests, he said: “the Ambassador’s home is your home.

He also expatiated on the role being played by his country in Africa. In the Gambia, he sighted their intervention in the medical and academic front, which he said is out of mere brotherly feeling. “From Banjul to Basse”, he said, every Gambian acknowledged the serves of the Cubans.”

For her part, Madan salsa Mendy, wife of the Ambassador, who is also the secretary to the ambassador, marvelled at the extraordinary intelligence and sense of respect she sees in African and especially Gambian women. Categorically describing herself as a feminist, Madam Mendy explained her position on women’s role in development, re-emphasising the historical link between African and Latin American womnen. She explored the part played by her fellow women during the Cuban revolution. She also found out that there are great similarities between the family set up in both Latin America and Africa.

Dida Halake, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Observer, dilated upon the favourable development space being provided for Gambian women, both politically and socially. “This”, he observed, “compared to East Africa, where I come from, leaves Gambian women with greater opportunities in life. He used the opportunity to solicit for a closer and friendlier cooperation among the media houses in the country.

The session was punctuated by debate on international politics; the role of Cuba in pre-independence struggle both in Latin America and Africa. Other speakers included Mr Sam Sarr of Forroya newspaper and representatives from the information department as well as the Point newspaper.