Artemisa, August 2 (RHC)-- Members of the Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Brigade, which arrived in Cuba Monday, said they came to participate alongside the Cuban people in celebrations on the 90th birthday of Revolution leader Fidel Castro.

Chanting slogans of support for the Cuban leader, the brigadistas from 16 countries presented a document, in which they acknowledge the Cuban people's strong resistance in the face of acute hardships caused by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for over half a century.

Speaking to brigade members, Fernando González Llort, vice president of the Havana-based Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and decorated Hero of the Republic of Cuba, noted that the Brigade is one of over 2,000 solidarity associations from 153 nations which currently have links with ICAP, and thanked participants for their solidarity and support.

The Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Brigade will stay in Cuba until August 14th.