Kingston, January 10 (RHC)--Antigua and Barbuda says the Cuban revolution of 1959 represents “an incredible victory against wind and tide and a symbol of freedom in a world dominated by oppression,” reported Friday Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner.

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in a letter to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel commemorating the 61st anniversary of the revolution, said the event has “earned a place in history as one of the most important and transformative events in the world."

“Like David’s victory over Goliath, the revolution represents an incredible victory against wind and tide and a symbol of freedom in a world dominated by oppression,” Browne wrote, adding that the start of a new year provides an opportunity to “reflect on the recent developments in our hemisphere, which have undermined vital stability and national interests in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

But Browne said despite these setbacks, the “values of the revolution not only have survived, but also thrive in the 21st century."

“The courage of leaders such as José Martí, Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara continues to inspire many in the global south in an epic fight against imperialism and interventionist policies,” he said, taking the opportunity to assure Havana of “the deep affinity of Antigua and Barbuda for Cuba, a country with which we share a close consistency of values, including a proud history of freedom from oppression.”