May 9, 2022
On behalf of the members of the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Toronto, please accept my deep condolences on the physical passing of Cuban leader and internationally inspiring diplomat, Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada.
Ricardo Alarcón was known for his close involvement in the successful world-wide campaigns for the release of the Cuban Five. He wrote a pamphlet articulating their complicated story as true champions, written in clear words that every Canadian could readily understand.
In May 2009, Queen’s University in Kingston hosted a conference: – “Cuba: The Measure of a Revolution”, where Ricardo Alarcón was a special guest speaker.
His words in his closing remarks at the conference are so true today “Citizen empowerment is at the heart of democracy. Globalization is exactly the opposite. With its advance countries are deprived of their sovereignty and individuals from their citizenship.” Ricardo himself was like the name of the conference – a great measure of the revolution. He was, a shining example and an inspiration to fighting for a better world.
We admire and respect Ricardo Alarcón and his legacy. We are saddened at the loss of this profound, proud Cuban.
Elizabeth Hill
President, Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Toronto