Waiting to take a dip, or practising their synchronised swimming intro? - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

There were many reasons to celebrate at the Cuban Embassy, on Saturday, April 7.

Days earlier on the fourth, Cubans marked the 45th anniversary of the country's Young Communist League as well as the 46th anniversary of the Pioneer, a programme Cubans have for primary school children. The Pioneer seeks to instil a sense of social responsibility within young Cubans. So it made for one big occasion and the embassy staff decided to host a lyme at the ambassador's residence.

Even though there were a few grown-ups, last Saturday afternoon, in keeping with the youth theme, was all about the children. They munched on snacks provided by the embassy and played various games officiated by Leonardo Martinez, a hockey coach working in Jamaica. The children, offspring of Cuban nationals, as well as Jamaican youngsters, participated in relays and even dancing contests - the local little ones learning a few Latin steps in the process. But most of them decided to just splash around in the pool to beat the heat.

Tree-planting

During the activities, members of a group of social workers currently providing light bulbs for Jamaican households, helped to plant five trees in front of the embassy.

According to Cuban ambassador Gisela Garcia, the trees were in recognition of five Cuban men, known as the Cuban Five who were arrested and later convicted in the United States in 1998 charged with various illegal acts in that country. They are still imprisoned.

At sunset, a bonfire was lit to symbolise peace, not just between Jamaicans and Cubans, but across the entire globe. Students from Naggo Head Primary who were special guests of the embassy, then performed selections from their repertoire, including a few Hispanic classics and reggae tunes.