South Centre Chairman’s Letter of Tribute on Fidel Castro

The Chairman of the South Centre, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania, has sent a letter to the President of Cuba H.E. Raul Castro to extend the Centre’s condolences on the passing away of President Fidel Castro, who was a friend and supporter of the Centre and the South Commission.  Below is the letter.

28 November 2016

Excellency,

It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of your dear brother, the late President Fidel Castro, one of the most visionary leaders of our contemporary history, a great thinker and a tireless combatant against social injustice and for a fair and equitable world order.

President Fidel Castro left a comfortable life to join the struggle for a better world for the poor. When in power, he established innovative and beneficial policies in the social and economic spheres notably in health and education which have become a model for many countries. With President Fidel Castro’s vision, Cuba has become one of the most valuable examples of the values of international solidarity as the country has proven through its many actions to be a faithful and leading actor for solidarity with people throughout the world and especially in developing countries.

President Fidel Castro was one of the closest friends of the South Centre. His contributions to our organization and our work goes back to the times of the South Commission presided by the late President Julius Nyerere with whom President Castro enjoyed a great friendship and many memorable times.  Both have joined hands to speak and work against many injustices and inequities in the world.   And they both fought for a more equal and just world for all.

We at the South Centre are indebted to President Fidel Castro for his support and friendship, and for the example he set in his work and his life.

On behalf of the Board of the South Centre and the staff of the Secretariat, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the government and the people of Cuba and we join you in mourning the loss of one of the greatest leaders of the South.

Please accept the condolences of the Chairman, the Board and the staff of the South Centre, of which Cuba is a leading member. Our thoughts are with his family and the Cuban people.

Benjamin William Mkapa

Chairman of the Board of the South Centre