Upon arrival in Cuba, Gonzalo Rojas declares himself a "fidelist" and imitates Neruda

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HAVANA.- Chilean poet Gonzalo Rojas, winner of the Cervantes award in 2003, made his debut at the Casa de la Américas literary awards in Havana by giving a speech to praise the power of poetry and, at the age of 90, declared himself a "fidelist" (supporter of Fidel Castro) while even venturing to offer an imitation of his friend, Pablo Neruda.

After being officially introduced by the board of judges, Rojas proceeded to speak about the book and its destiny in the "incurable game of poetry", mentioning other prestigious writers such as César Vallejo, Jorge Luis Borges and Octavio Paz. Rojas received applause after reading some verses about the sea impersonating Pablo Neruda hoping, in his words, "to make the audience laugh a bit".

The writer is in Cuba for the 49th Casa de las Américas literary award ceremony, which boasts the participation of over 24 countries with some 400 pieces from various literary genres.

Rojas stated that being in Havana is like "oxygen itself" and deemed it "an enormous pleasure" to return to the island after 30 years.

"I am 90 now, my birthday was just the other day, and I continue to be a fidelist, the same way I am an allendeist, worldly and of the world, with all of the implied risks", he declared.