20 Dec 2016
Thank you, Madam Chair
1 Singapore welcomes the convening of this Special Session of the General Assembly to pay tribute the former President of Cuba and the leader of the Cuban revolution, His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, who passed away on 25 November 2016. Today, we in Singapore stand in solidarity with the government and people of Cuba in honouring the achievements and legacy of President Fidel Castro. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I extend to the Cuban people our heartfelt condolences at this time of profound loss.
Madam Chair,
2 President Fidel Castro led Cuba for five decades with unwavering dedication and commitment. Despite facing significant challenges, his patriotism and single-minded dedication to Cuba never faltered. President Fidel Castro’s contributions to Cuba and to the Cuban people are immeasurable. Through education and health programmes, President Fidel Castro completely transformed Cuba and uplifted the lives of the Cuban people. Today, Cuba has achieved high standards of education and medical services. Today, Cuba has become renowned for its advancements in biotechnology, education and scientific research. I think there are lessons to be learnt from Cuba.
3 President Fidel Castro will not only be remembered in his own country. He successfully entrenched Cuba’s place on the world map. He was one of the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement, and played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the Movement. He generously dispatched Cuban doctors throughout the world to offer much-needed medical assistance. Mr Castro has earned his place in history, and he will forever be remembered as a leading figure of the 20th Century.
Madam Chair,
4 President Fidel Castro’s ashes were interred near to Cuban poet and independence leader Jose Marti, who famously said, “Men of action, above all those whose actions are guided by love, live forever. Other famous men, those of much talk and few deeds, soon evaporate. Action is the dignity of greatness.” President Fidel Castro was certainly a man of action. His deeds will continue to echo through history and his legacy will be remembered by the people of the world.
Madam Chair,
5 The people of Singapore know what it feels like to lose a great leader and a founding father of the nation. At this moment of national mourning in Cuba, we stand in solidarity and friendship with the Government and people of Cuba on the passing of their great leader, President Fidel Castro Ruz.
6 May his soul rest in peace.
. . . . .