Poet and essayist Roberto Fernández Retamar described receiving the International/UNESCO José Martí Prize as one of the great honors of his life. The jury recognized the prestigious intellectual’s efforts to defend “justice, the rights of children, ethical values, the dignity of each man and woman and the fight against racism.
Surprised upon learning the news, Retamar told Granma International that he was extraordinarily honored on being “the first Cuban to receive it and coming from an institution like UNESCO – which is a true oasis in this world – which Martí would have been very proud of.”
As Prensa Latina reported, also highlighted was Retamar’s work as president of the Casa de las Américas for four decades, noting he “has contributed permanently, from this prestigious center, to the promotion of peace, solidarity, human rights and equality among Latin American and Caribbean nations, values recognized by this Award.”
Retamar, a tireless scholar of the life and work of the most universal of Cubans, José Martí, among many other topics, received the prestigious award during the 4th International Conference FOR WORLD BALANCE, held January 28 through 31, at the Havana International Conference Center.
(Granma)