TWENTY-FIVE years ago on October 6, 1976, a new and diabolic dimension was added to terrorism. That horrific tragedy occurred when two anti-personnel bombs planted by an anti-Castro group exploded on a Cuban passenger Airline, causing it to plunge into the sea off Barbados, killing all 73 persons on board including 11 Guyanese.

Of the 11 Guyanese youths whose lives were cut short by this terrorist act, nine were travelling to Havana to study medicine, depriving Guyana of their much needed skills and service.

Initially, an anti-Cuban terrorist, working in active collaboration with the CIA, Orlando Bosh had admitted to committing the crime. But following investigations by several area governments, two Venezuelan terrorists had been nabbed and then convicted in a Venezuelan court. They confessed to placing the bombs aboard the plane, on orders of anti-Castro group bosses, L.P Carilles and Bosh.

Later, the two convicted men, along with Carilles escaped from a Venezuelan prison, allegedly with help from the penal authorities, in connivance with the Cuban-American National Foundation in Miami, and the CIA.

Carilles is presently in Panama under detention, facing the charge of planning to assassinate President Castro, during the 10th Ibero-American Summit, last November. Bosh, who is a resident of the USA, continues to enjoy his freedom in Miami, in spite of being on the FBI list of terrorists, where he is being given protection by the extremist Foundation.

Washington's alleged complicity by offering refuge and immunity to groups that use US territory to launch attacks against peaceful, sovereign States runs counter to its declared war against terrorism.

For 25 years, this superpower bombarded non-stop, with the most sophisticated military hardware, the people of Vietnam, in its war to "Contain Communism."

Note also that Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest heavyweight boxing exponents of all time was imprisoned by the US authorities for three and a half years, for failing to enlist in the US Army and, his refusal to "take up arms against his Vietnamese brothers and sisters," which he had stated stood against his religious beliefs.

Another prominent Afro-American, Ms. Angela Davis also suffered from acts of State terrorism in her day by the US administration, for her militancy and was made to endure several years of harsh imprisonment.

Bereaved families of the Guyanese Victims of the Cubana air disaster are still desirous of obtaining justice for their loved ones, whose lives were snuffed out in full bloom by a dastardly act of terrorism. They are demanding that Washington heed Cuba's persistent requests now for the extradition of the fugitive and self-confessed murderer, Bosh, to face trial for his involvement in the bombing attack, 25 years ago.

C. Majeed