For the first time ever, a Maltese took part in a solidarity event in Cuba, news agency Granma reported.

With an overwhelming participation by young people, the 47th Contingent of the José Martí European Brigade for Solidarity with Cuba was present on the island from 1 to 23 September and took part in agricultural activities, met with well-known figures and visited places of political and social interest.

Likewise, brigade members took part in conferences on Cuban realities today, the situation of the five Cubans imprisoned in the United States for fighting terrorism, and the struggle to end the economic blockade.

On this occasion, the group was made up of 108 members from 17 countries, including Britain, Italy and Spain, which brought the largest number of brigadistas.

According to 20-year-old Maltese André Damato, “I have never been to Cuba and I came to express my solidarity with this country. We feel very proud to represent Malta for the first time. This is a unique experience for me. Once we’re in Cuba, we can talk with the people, have interviews with well-known individuals, visit the city and get to know Cuban culture better. At the same time, our stay here means that we can exchange with people from other European countries who share the same ideologies and lines of thinking as ourselves.”