Its is the first time that the distinction is granted in 232 years since the SEAP was created at the initiative of Cuban philosopher and educator José de la Luz y Caballero for “the family faithful to Cuba at all times,” which never came to fruition.

The solemn act, held this Thursday at the SEAP headquarters in Havana, was presided over by Armando Rodríguez, minister of Science, Technology and Environment; Luis Velázquez Pérez, president of the Cuban Academy of Sciences; and SEAP President Zoila Benítez.

Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Malva Rodríguez González, the renowned Cuban singer songwriter expressed gratitude for the award on behalf of his family, and said that it would not have occurred to them that they were deserving of such an honor.

He pointed out that there are many Cuban families who deserve this award, in science and in other trades and professions. In music, I immediately think of the Romeus, the López Gavilán Junco García, the Lays, the Vitier García-Marrúz Rodríguez, the Alfonso Valdés, the Formells, he added.

“On behalf of Malva, Niurka and myself, I express our gratitude for this award that honors us and inspires us to be an even better Family of our Homeland,” he stressed.

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