http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/18-octubre-message.html
Havana. October 18, 2012
Message from Fidel
• To the graduates of Victoria de Girón Institute of Basic Sciences and
Preclinical Studies
DEAR compatriots:
Allow me to recall that five decades ago, during a public event in the
presence of the first students of this prestigious institution, some from other
universities and students at nursing colleges, this educational institute was
inaugurated in response to the criminal action on the part of the neighboring
empire, to take away, as it did with promises of visas and employment, the
majority of the country’s 6,000 doctors.
The Victoria de Girón Institute of Basic Sciences and Preclinical Studies
marked the beginning of our massive training of doctors. The course had barely
begun when the hazardous days of the October [Missile] Crisis arrived and,
after a brief intensive training, the school was converted into a strong
anti-aircraft unit.
That spirit gave birth to and developed the tradition of this medical
institution which, after the most critical days had been overcome, was capable
of forging tens of thousands of professionals and taking our country to the
highest levels of preventive care and health.
Many of its graduates have undertaken honorable missions in remote parts
of the work and in very difficult conditions.
In the majority of countries, Cuba provided these services at no cost
whatsoever. Such conduct has given our homeland well-deserved prestige.
I congratulate everyone on this 50th anniversary and, in particular, the
founding members of the Victoria de Girón Institute of Basic Sciences and
Preclinical Studies, who merit special congratulations. They have honored those
who, more than 50 years ago and at the cost of countless lives, demonstrated,
to the powerful yanki empire, the response which anyone who might attempt to
enslave our people would receive.
In less than 72 hours, they defeated the mercenary invasion, trained,
equipped and escorted to our coast by its navy; just six or eight of the more
than 1,000 men were able to escape.
I hope you will continue harvesting successes in the noble and humane
task to which you have dedicated your lives.
Fraternally,
Fidel Castro Ruz
October 17, 2012
1:20 pm.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
