The outstanding Cuban poetess Carilda Oliver Labra, died at dawn on Wednesday, August 29, at her home in the city of Matanzas, at the age of 96.

The news circulated like hot gunpowder and dismayed his admirers, who are counted by millions in Cuba and other parts of the world, as followers of this genuine Cuban who won the National Prize for Literature and was placed, in its own right, among the most relevant poetesses of Cuba and Hispano-

America.

Author of the famous poem Canto a Fidel and more than 40 books published and translated into other languages such as English, French, German and Bulgarian, Carilda recently received the Excelencias Prize, in recognition of her prolific literary work.

The physical disappearance of Carilda Oliver Labra constitutes a significant loss for the Cuban Culture in general and, in a special way, for the Matanceros, who enjoyed their extensive life dedicated entirely to poetry.