Mejía also valued the role of Gómez Ochoa -considered here a National Hero- for his participation in the revolutionary war in Cuba, which led to the triumph of the Revolution on January 1, 1959.

The statements were made by the Dominican political leader and friend of Cuba on Tuesday night, during the presentation in the city of Moca, capital of the province of Espaillat, of the book “La Suerte de Sobrevivir” (The Luck of Surviving), in the presence of its protagonist.

The book, written by Cuban journalist and historical researcher Wilmer Rodriguez, recounts in 15 chapters the life of the veteran guerrilla fighter, who will be 95 years old next September.

During the presentation of the book, Moca Mayor Guarocuya Cabral conferred to the veteran guerrilla the status of Distinguished Visitor, in gratitude for his contribution to the overthrow of dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo.

On the occasion, Gómez Ochoa noted that “for the Dominican people, we Cubans have been and will always be ready to fulfill our duty as grateful neighbors.”

The launc of the book “La Suerte de Sobrevivir” was attended by residents of Moca, members of the MIU, and the deputy to the Dominican House of Representatives for the province of Espaillat, Carlos Alberto Amarante, among other guests.

On the occasion, those present had the privilege of hearing from Gómez Ochoa, the only survivor of the expeditions of June 14 and 20, 1959, the details of that patriotic action to free this country from the Trujillo dictatorship.

At almost 95 years of age, the Commander spoke for almost an hour about the moments he lived after his arrest when he landed in Constanza, his life in prison, the tortures in the clandestine prison on 40th Street and his subsequent return to Cuba.

jg/jav/mem/mpv