Journalist Marta Rojas was born on May 17, 1931 in Santiago de Cuba. Immediately after graduating in journalism from the University of Havana, she witnessed the attack on the Moncada barracks on July 26, 1953, led by Fidel Castro, and the trial held by the Cuban dictatorship Batista against him and his comrades.
She recorded and narrated these historical events in detail in her book entitled “Moncada Trial”, which was highly appreciated for its journalistic value.
After the success of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Marta Rojas worked for several revolutionary press agencies and joined Granma daily newspaper since 1965.
With a large number of articles and dozens of published books, journalist Marta Rojas was honoured with the José Martí National Journalism Award, Alejo Carpentier Literary Award and the title of National Labour Hero.
In its official announcement, Granma daily newspaper also emphasised that Marta Rojas was the first Cuban and Latin American war correspondent in the resistance war against American imperialists of Vietnamese people.
For about ten years, she witnessed the fierce bombing raids by the US Air Force on North Vietnam as well as the brave battles by guerrillas in Cu Chi the south. Especially, she was the last foreign journalist who interviewed President Ho Chi Minh.
Returning to Cuba, journalist Marta Rojas actively participated in movements and activities in support of Vietnam and the solidarity between the two nations. She often wrote concise and insightful articles on "Uncle Ho's homeland" on the occasions of important celebrations.
At the age of 90, she was still the Vice President of the Cuba - Vietnam Friendship Association and joined the meeting between President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and representatives from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and the Cuba – Vietnam Friendship Association, within the framework of Vietnamese State leader’s official visit to Cuba from September 18-20.
