West Indies, Republic. A “19 de Abril,” Ministry of the Interior Medal c. 1982

A circular gilt bronze medal, 30.2 mm in diameter, weighing 22.5 grams, suspended from its pentagonal ribbon in three equal vertical bands of dark green, white, and crimson red, complete with its matching ribbon bar; affixed to a gilt metal suspension ring and pin-back clasp, the obverse is inscribed “NUESTRA FUERZA ES LA FUERZA DEL PUEBLO” (“Our strength is the strength of the people”) within a laurel wreath border, the lower field depicting raised rifles and flags, the reverse is plain except for the raised legend “19 DE ABRIL” above “MINISTERIO DEL INTERIOR”, the whole struck in fine relief with a smooth background, showing minor surface wear consistent with age; gilt finish bright and intact, ribbon lightly worn yet vivid in colour, condition is very fine.

Footnote: Instituted by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of the Republic to commemorate the anniversary of the victory at Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs), 19 April 1961, regarded as one of the pivotal moments of post-revolutionary history. Bestowed upon officers, soldiers, and civilian collaborators of the Ministry for loyalty, commitment, and meritorious service in the safeguarding of revolutionary achievements and internal security.