On the evening of September 1, Giustino Di Celmo, a dear friend of the Cuban Revolution and people, passed away in the capital at the age of 94.
Giustino was born in Salerno, Italy, on December 24, 1920. A merchant, he came to Cuba for the first time in 1992, with his son Fabio Di Celmo.
In the most difficult years of the special period, he defied the blockade and the threats that loomed over Cuba, providing assistance in obtaining scarce goods for the Cuban people.
On September 4, 1997, his son Fabio was the victim of a terrorist act in the lobby bar of the Hotel Copacabana in the capital, which claimed his life and became a symbol for young Cubans and the world.
Given the pain and grief over the murder of his son, Giustino Di Celmo ─ a veteran of WWII, anti-fascist fighter and man of peace ─ decided to live permanently in Cuba and dedicated the last years of his life to denouncing acts of terrorism against our country from the most diverse platforms. He never ceased to advocate for international solidarity with Cuba and the lifting of the genocidal blockade imposed by the U.S. government. He was a champion of the battle for the liberation of Elián González, during his kidnapping by the Miami mafia, and the final return of the Five Cuban anti-terrorists who served cruel and unjust imprisonment in U.S. jails.
Fully identified with the principles and work of the Revolution, after the loss of his son, he applied for membership of the Communist Party of Cuba, which he was granted on September 30, 1997.
Giustino captivated the affection and admiration of our people. His name will be remembered as an example of solidarity with Cuba.
Following the wishes of his children, his body will be cremated and subsequently repatriated to his country of origin.
