Enrique Méndez, a member of the PIT-CNT Secretariat and leading the contingent, told Prensa Latina that the group consists of about 40 brigade members representing the trade union movement, retirees, and other social sectors.

For Méndez, this is his first trip to Cuba, but for 83-year-old Wilson Carneiro, this is his fourth time.

Carneiro witnessed the first visit of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, to his country in 1959, a historical event that will mark 65 years on May 3.

The Uruguayan contingent is carrying a load of solidarity that, although symbolic, is an expression of solidarity and a break with the economic, financial, and commercial siege imposed by the United States more than six decades ago, Méndez said.

The brigade members will participate in the events with which Cuba will celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1st.

Before leaving for Cuba, the group met with Cuban Ambassador to Uruguay, Zulan Popa, who informed them of the damage the US blockade has caused to her homeland.

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