The Cuban ambassador Mario Alzugaray will be joining a group of Aucklanders on Saturday to celebrate the life of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro who died this week at age 90.

"Fidel played a central role as a leader of the Cuban revolution for over 50 years," said Auckland Cuba Friendship Society member Mike Treen.

"In that time Cuba has literally saved the lives of millions of people through their medical aid programme. They have helped liberate southern Africa from Apartheid and colonialism. They have ended illiteracy in their own country and repeated the practice across the globe. They have helped create the possibility for other countries in Latin America and the world to join them on the march to national independence and social justice.

"All that is worth celebrating and people are welcome to join us at the Auckland Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, 7pm on Saturday night."

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