Cuba must be loved and supported, for its history and the example of altruism, courage, and dignity it radiates, said Peruvian professor living in Canada, Renee Castro Pozo, who has visited the Cuban capital more than 50 times.
Last year, she came to this eastern province for the first time with the Calixto García Brigade. On this occasion, she did so to fulfill the commitment she made at the time to bring sound equipment. To donate to the Ronald Sandalia Nieves elementary school in the Pueblo Nuevo neighborhood of the capital municipality. She participated in a moving activity for peace and solidarity. Where her kind gesture was recognized.
An anti-imperialist by conviction and a defender of the just causes of the people. Renee worked as a literature and Spanish teacher in secondary schools and at the University of San Marcos in her beloved country. She had to emigrate to Canada in 2001 due to the harassment she and other fellow countrymen suffered for their leftist views.
She confessed that, although they could not prove the charges against her. As the police found no incriminating material during a search of her home, they took her typewriter and other belongings. She was held in Canto Grande prison for three months under very precarious conditions. Also she was held incommunicable for fifteen days. Along with thirty other professionals.
The cruelty targeted all those opposed to the government of Alberto Fujimori, of Japanese descent. Who ruled the country from July 1990 until his ouster in November 2000. During this period, he launched a self-imposed coup to maintain his leadership of the military dictatorship that marked many pages of cruelty and death in Peru’s history.
Renee greatly admired the Shining Path organization. A very active ideological movement made up of qualified individuals. Fighting against corruption, hatred, and human rights violations.
The educator was forced to leave her country, going into exile in Canada with the help of two lawyers. She had to overcome several obstacles in the process. So six months later, her husband, who was 60 years old and had many projects to complete, did the same.
After ten years living in Peter Borough, they settled permanently in Toronto. She taught at Trent, edited a book in English (Flora Tristán: Precursor). And shared the activities to which her husband dedicated himself.
Renee is a woman deeply committed to justice, truth, peace, and solidarity. Moreover whose deep ideological convictions are shared by her life partner, José Castro. With whom she has shared 63 of her 87 years and the upbringing of their three children (one a veterinarian. Another a PhD in Communications and the third, Thalía, an artist who has been a member of the Peruvian Ballet Company since the age of 15).
This caring and loving friend of Cuba emphasized the professionalism of her husband. Futhermore who was in charge of the cultural page of the newspaper La Barca, considered subversive. Created a theater for the blind in Canada; and organized many theatrical and poetry performances.
He has been a tireless and highly creative researcher and has maintained ties with Peruvian colleagues. In his home country, he was president of the National Association of Journalists. As well as the Association of Writers and Artists. He is grateful for the values inherited from his father, founder of the Socialist Party of Peru.
Today, at 93 years of age, José Castro supports his wife in her charitable endeavors, yearning for peace and harmony among peoples.
With the greatest simplicity, both uphold the ideals that grew in the face of the abuses experienced in their beloved South American country. Because, as Cuban National Hero José Martí wrote in his newspaper Patria (New York, May 21st, 1892) “What is born from the fire of patriotism endures.”
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