CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FROM THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA ON THE DEATH OF VILMA ESPIN OF CUBA

It is with sadness that I learn of the death of Companera Vilma Espin Guillios, a Cuban heroine and someone who was highly regarded by her countrymen as the ‘first lady’ of the Cuban Revolution.
Vilma Espin, wife of acting Cuban President Raul Castro, was a woman ahead of her time. Her involvement in combat as part of the Cuban Revolution, revealed her profound belief in gender equality and the right of women to play an active role in determining the political processes that should guide and support their advancement.
The Revolution afforded her the opportunity to further her work on behalf of women, a duty to which she remained committed until the very end. She headed the unification of women’s organizations and the constitution of the Federation of Cuban Women. Her many other political responsibilities allowed her to make significant representation on behalf of children, leading to the creation of the Commission of Children and Youth.
Cuba has lost an outstanding daughter whose life will remain a shining example for others to follow. On behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, I extend condolences to her family and the government and people of Cuba during this time of bereavement.