The death of activist and revolutionary Colombian singer-songwriter Alejandro Gómez Roa, author of the legendary song "Cuba sí, yanquis no," leaves behind a poignant mark and deep connection with the island, a relationship that will last forever. Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro with Gómez Roa in Havana. He died on September 9, 2014, of a heart attack, at home in Tunza, in the Colombian department of Boyacá, his history is closely linked to Cuba, to which he remained loyal since the triumph of the Revolution led by Fidel Castro, which in 1959 opened a new redemptive chapter in Cuban history. His song "Cuba si, yanquis no" moved thousands of people all over the world at the beginning of the 1960’s. In 2001, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution would say of Alejandro, "You are a prophet." His timeless song anticipated the new struggle which would be initiated in the 1960’s by an island 90 miles from the powerful U.S. empire, a struggle to maintain its independence and sovereignty. In 1960, on the express request of Fidel, Alejandro performed his famous song before thousands in Havana’s Latinoamericano Stadium in the municipality of Cerro, and years later received the Medal of Friendship of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba. On July 26, 2014, his song reverberated once against in the auditorium of the Colombian Congress, during a tribute organized by the Colombian solidarity movement with Cuba on the anniversary of the Moncada garrison assault – a feat which would mark the definitive turning point in the island’s history. Gómez, the great compañero - as he was known given the title he was awarded by the Colombian House of Solidarity with the Peoples in 1999 - was noted for his early involvement in popular causes, including leadership of student protests against military dictator Gustavo Rojas Pinilla in 1954. At the end of the 1950’s he joined the Colombian Communist Party, in whose ranks he served until his final days. He suffered persecution and imprisonment, traveled around socialist countries and attended various international youth and student festivals, always with his accordion and his compositions. Among his most famous songs, in addition to "Cuba sí, yankis no" are "La solitaria estrella" (Que viva Cuba, la bella) also dedicated to the island; "Resiste, Chile, resiste"; "Nicaragua vencerá"; "Canto a Palestina" and "Al pueblo de Farabundo." An attorney by profession, Gómez Roa worked for the release of Colombian political prisoners. His death leaves a trail of unforgettable memories, a symbol of a life committed to the liberation causes of Latin America and the rest of the world. (PL)
