The 16th May Day International Volunteer Work Brigade today began its program of activities to celebrate International Workers' Day.

Havana, Cuba.- According to a note from the Cuban News Agency, the brigade's activities will last until May 7, with more than 300 members from 29 countries.

The first meeting of the contingent was at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), in which a special tribute was paid to the recently deceased South African friend Chris Mathlako.

The general director of the scientific institution, Marta Ayala Ávila, expressed the pleasure of hosting the important event and witnessing the goodwill that Cuba mobilizes in different latitudes.

On behalf of the visitors, the activist in charge of the Solidarity Campaign with Cuba in the United Kingdom, Rob Miller, summed up the pride of bringing together people of so many nationalities in a sense of friendship and support for the cause of the people of the island and its revolutionary process.

He also recognized the vital contribution of the science sector to the survival of the Caribbean nation and its inhabitants at a particularly difficult time, such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, aggravated by the tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the US government.

For her part, the first vice president of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Noemí Rabaza, announced that between May 3 and 6 the brigade members will visit the central province of Sancti Spiritus to talk with local authorities, representatives of organizations social and mass

With the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ghana, and Chile as the most represented delegations, the members of the Brigade will accompany the celebrations for International Workers' Day, in addition to their participation in days of productive work and the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba. (PL)