tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54941489577890333632024-02-20T02:34:49.498-08:00Cuba Solidarity CampaignCuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15578030700260446005noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-15531832066959807392017-05-26T04:25:00.002-07:002017-06-02T06:48:52.842-07:00Record-breaking 47 young trade unionists participate in May Day brigade in Cuba<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 10pt; padding: 0px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British and Irish 2017 May Day brigade delegation</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: justify;"></b><b style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: justify;">A record-breaking 47 young trade unionists and activists from Britain and Ireland participated in the 12<sup style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">th</sup> annual Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) young trade unionists’ May Day brigade to Cuba.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">The largest ever CSC delegation - representing millions of workers from across the British and Irish trade union movement including delegates from Unite, UNISON, TSSA, GMB, RMT and CWU - took part in a full programme of solidarity and agricultural work, conferences, meetings, visits and exchanges with the Cuban people.</span></div>
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A total of 286 brigadistas from 29 countries – demonstrating the excellent range of international solidarity with Cuba – attended the brigade where they took part in solidarity work and learned how they could support Cuba’s ongoing struggle to end the illegal US blockade of the island.</div>
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The brigade was mostly spent at the Julio Antonio Mella International Camp<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> (CIJAM</em>) in rural Cuba<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</em>near Caimito, Artemisia province, 40km away from Havana. Conditions on the camp were basic, with shared dormitory accommodation, basic meals and cold water showers, but the delegates fully embraced the inspirational atmosphere on the camp of internationalism and solidarity.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing agricultural work</td></tr>
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All continents were represented at CIJAM, with brigadistas attending from countries including Chile, Brazil, Congo, Zambia, Switzerland, Korea, Australia, Ukraine and many more. For the first time ever, a United States delegation took part in the brigade, with 50 activists representing the US, including Black Lives Matter activists from Chicago alongside solidarity activists from Chicago, LA, Philadelphia and New York.</div>
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In addition to the opportunity to speak to Cubans about their lives and experiences under US blockade, the international camp was an excellent environment for the young members to share ideas and exchanges with trade unionists and activists from all around the world.</div>
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Delegates took part in agricultural work based locally to the camp included weeding, cutting crass, cleaning and clearing rocks and sticks. Grass was cut by hand using machetes, giving the young members a brief insight into the difficulties of agricultural work under the blockade in Cuba, as many resources are difficult to obtain.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick making at a co-operative in Artemisa</td></tr>
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The brigade visited local co-operatives in Artemisia, which are playing an increasingly significant role in Cuba’s economy. Agriculture is the largest sector in Artemisia province, and the co-operatives visited produced a variety of fruits such as coconuts and mangoes, vegetables, sugar, cattle, milk and beans. The co-ops also produced non-agricultural products, such as brick making. Over 330 workers were employed at the cooperative the brigade visited, where the workers were paid a monthly salary plus shares of the profits.</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">May Day</strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana May Day march</td></tr>
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The highlight of the brigade for many of the young workers was the spectacular May Day rally in Havana, under the banner of “Unity is our Strength”. Over 800,000 Cubans from the Havana province marched through the capital - and other huge marches took part in each of Cuba’s 16 provinces.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Day 2017 in Havana</td></tr>
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Half of the delegation joined the huge rally, where they marched alongside the Cuban workers in Havana, and the other half watched from the tribune at Revolution Square alongside hundreds of international guests and trade unionists, where they stood near to the Cuban President Raul Castro, Ulises Guilarte CTC (Cuban TUC) General Secretary and four of the Miami Five Cuban heroes.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong></div>
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This was the first May Day since the passing of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. The event featured many tributes, images and banners celebrating the leader, and chants of ‘Viva Fidel!’ and ‘Yo Soy Fidel!’ erupted from the crowd.</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">International Solidarity with Cuba Conference</strong></div>
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On May 2 the brigade participated in the International Solidarity with Cuba Conference at the Palace of Conventions in Havana. This unique opportunity, as official guests of the CTC, allowed young members to participate in a conference in a prestigious venue where Cuba’s parliamentarians meet and state visits are held.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">International Solidarity with Cuba Conference</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">The conference featured many high level Cuban politicians and trade unionists and was attended by over 1,000 international solidarity activists and trade unionists from around the world.</span></div>
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Esteemed guests and speakers included Salvador Valdés Mesa, a vice president of the Council of State, Ana Teresita González Fraga, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Raymundo Navarro, International Secretary CTC (Cuban TUC), Teresa Amarelle Boué, General Secretary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), José Ramón Balaguer Cabrera, member of the Secretariat of the PCC Central Committee and head of its International Relations Department, Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP), and the General Secretary and Vice President of the World Federation of Trade Unions, George Mavrikos and Valentin Pachu.</div>
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Ana Teresita González gave a detailed update on Cuban foreign policy and the island's relations across the globe. The Vice Minister stressed that despite the 2015 re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States, the US blockade of the island remains in place and Guantanamo Bay continues to be illegally occupied by the US.</div>
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Furthermore, Miami Five hero Fernando González said; “When we hear in the media that the U.S. government is improving its relations with Cuba, it does not mean that the blockade has been eliminated, the blockade against the Cuban people continues.”</div>
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Highlighting the importance of international solidarity - which he said played a key role in the successful struggle for his and all the Miami Five’s freedom - Fernando called on those present to continue their support for the end of the blockade and the closure of the Guantánamo Naval Base and the return of this illegally occupied territory to the Cuban people.</div>
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UNISON Scotland delegate Jenni Gunn was interviewed by the national Cuban paper Granma International at the Conference. “You hear a lot about the politics of the Revolution but it really transcends into the social aspect of Cuba as well… the people of Cuba are just some of the warmest people I’ve ever met,” Jenni said in the interview. Unite Ireland delegate Conor McGuinness also gave an interview to Cuban television during the conference.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doctor at the Cienfuegos Hospital</td></tr>
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A three day trip to Cienfuegos was included in the programme to visit hospitals, universities and communities in the region. The delegation stayed at Hotel Pasacaballo, a hotel which recently was used to accommodate patients as part of Operation Miracle, a joint Cuban-Venezuelan initiative which restored the eyesight of 4 million people across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.</div>
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Before visiting Cienfuegos, the brigade the visited Che Guevara Memorial and the Armoured train in Santa Clara - the site of the Battle of Santa Clara, where Che’s battalion attacked a train carrying weapons for Batista, a defining moment which ultimately led to the triumph Cuban Revolution.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medical students from Western Sahara</td></tr>
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Visits in Cienfuegos included the Dr Gustavo Alderguia Lima University General Hospital, where the delegates were given a presentation from a doctor at the hospital and later met with medical students from Cuba and overseas.</div>
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In addition to free university and medical school education that Cuba provides for its own citizens, the socialist island also offers free medical scholarships to young people from across the developing world. At the University Hospital in the delegation met with students from a wide range of countries including South Africa, Venezuela, Bolivia and Western Sahara.</div>
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At a welcome event in Cienfuegos, featuring performances by local musicians and artists, Unite Ireland delegate Conor McGuinness spoke on behalf of the delegation, calling on the US to end the blockade of Cuba and sending solidarity greetings on behalf of the British and Irish trade union movement.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conor McGuinness speaks on behalf of our delegation</td></tr>
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A local CDR (Committees for the Defence of the Revolution) in Cienfuegos welcomed the entire 286-strong brigade to their community with welcome songs, dancing, speeches and food for their international guests.</div>
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The event provided a great opportunity to speak to the Cuban people about their lives, politics and society, with some brigadistas welcomed into the homes of the community, including one with a plaque that was visited by Raul Castro and Hugo Chavez, the late Venezuelan President. The community’s houses visited were built as part of a joint Cuba-Venezuela project to host international delegates at the 2007 Petrocaribe Summit in Cienfuegos. The newly built houses were then provided to the local community following the end of the conference.</div>
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Many trade unions had raised material aid for their delegates to take over with them to the island, as due to the blockade Cuba struggles to obtain many essential items. The material aid included sanitary products, condoms, pens, paper and notebooks. Some of the material aid was presented to the Co-ordinator of the CDR, and more material aid was re-distributed by ICAP in Artemisa.</div>
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Amongst a packed schedule there was also free time to explore, visit museums, historical sites and practice speaking Spanish in Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad.</div>
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The brigade saw first-hand the achievements of the Cuban Revolution; world class hospitals, universities training Cuban and international medicine students for free; hundreds of thousands of proud Cubans marching in unity and celebrating their achievements; and trade unions and mass organisations directly involved in the running and legislation of their country. Yet if the blockade was to be lifted, Cuba could achieve so much more.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">With the recent election of US President Donald Trump, who has appointed some key pro-blockade lobbyists into leading roles in his administration, the Cuban people made clear that international solidarity with the island is now more important than ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">TSSA delegate Gary Kilroy spoke on behalf of the delegation at a concluding meeting at CIJAM. He spoke of the delegation’s inspiration that they had got from the brigade and their commitment to campaigning in their trade union and in CSC on their return home to end the US blockade and return the Guantanamo Bay area to the Cuban people.</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Brigadista feedback:</strong></span></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Visiting Cuba with CSC has been an inspirational opportunity to see the benefits of progressive, people-focused politics first-hand. It was incredible to witness the achievements of Cuban society in terms of health, education and social well being, despite the harsh limitations imposed by the blockade. Despite recent improvements in diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, the island is still under economic siege from its giant neighbour. The illegal and inhumane US blockade of Cuba must be lifted, and international solidarity and support will be key to achieving this.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Conor McGuinness, Unite Ireland</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Witnessing first hand the strength and resolve of the Cuban people, and their commitment to their revolution was awe-inspiring… This small Caribbean Island stands as a beacon of hope for all oppressed people across the world and it certainly has filled me with the determination to take the message of the revolution home with me - that it is possible to feed every hungry child, that it is possible to guarantee that every citizen has the right to a world class education and the right to a long and healthy life. It has shown me the importance of international solidarity and how these bonds are essential in challenging the US blockade and supporting the sovereignty of the Cuban people in their struggle at Guantanamo. This trip has been life changing, and has given me the determination to get more active within my own union and in the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, to spread the word that Cuba needs our solidarity now, more than ever.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jenni Gunn, UNISON Scotland</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“I’m hugely thankful to have been given this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to see a side of Cuba that most tourists won’t. It was a real privilege to meet so many local community activists along with delegates from different countries all over the world, with an absolute highlight being able to attend the May Day parade in Havana. Overall, the experience has certainly strengthened my resolve to help towards building a fairer society over here too, and I really hope to return to Cuba one day.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Katie Roskams, Unite North East, Yorkshire & Humberside Region</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“All in all, Cuba is an amazing and extremely interesting country that has a lot to be proud of. Top class health care, astounding education system and not one homeless person in the whole country. Viva Cuba!” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Danie Chance, Unite East Midlands</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Cubans are so proud of their country and it’s so clear why, because I would be too! The brigade made me passionate about promoting the end to the blockade and the closure of Guantanamo Bay. Not enough people know about what’s happened in Cuba and the massive injustice Cubans have suffered, and I want to help put that right.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cathy Kamara, Unite National Publishing Branch</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Visiting Cuba has inspired me and given me hope. It's reinforced that there is a viable and adequate alternative to what the majority of us currently live under - something that can and will supersede the greed of capitalism. Cuba has made great achievements in health care and education, despite the US blockade and their continued attempts to destabilise the. If the blockade was listed the country could achieve so much more. This wouldn't only benefit the Cuban people, but the rest of the world. Solidarity is crucial and we must continue to educate ourselves and others about the real situation with Cuba.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jamie George, CWU</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Going to Cuba with CSC was a fantastic experience I have come home with a lot more knowledge on Cuban history and how the country runs now and how important helping to campaign and fight the illegal blockade that the USA has imposed on the country. Going forward I want to get branches affiliated to CSC and get more young members the opportunity to go to Cuba with CSC and give them the experience I had volunteering with agricultural work seeing the hospitals and see how real socialism works. This whole experience has given me so much more enthusiasm and a fresh way of looking at campaigning back home. I encourage everyone to go to Cuba and see this amazing country and the amazing people who live there." </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rebecca Mitchell, GMB Birmingham and West Midlands Region</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Going to Cuba with an open mind has enthused and enriched me politically by allowing me to see what can be achieved in a country where everyone is fighting for the same cause. Seeing first-hand the successes in public healthcare and education, it can only beg the question of what may be possible without the harsh blockade imposed by the USA, affecting every Cuban daily. Lifting the blockade will allow Cubans to have viable links to international markets, particularly its closest neighbours, the US. Without the blockade, Cuba would be able to export its products to the US and import essentials such as medical supplies and food, therefore benefiting everyone. International solidarity is critical for Cuba, to show that they are not on their own in their struggle for a fair society, to show that we do not support the unlawful blockade and to ultimately pressure the USA into ending it, as this is the only way Cuba will be able to develop and succeed to their full potential.” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Harry Gibb, TSSA</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Cuba has achieved so much in every single sector despite the illegal blockade from the USA. Healthcare, education and social security are the sectors that Cuba sets an example to all countries. Being a brigadista with the CSC May Day brigade was an honour, having the chance to experience first hand the simple life and values of Cuban people and their everyday struggle to overpass the difficulties caused by the illegal blockade… Solidarity to everyone with common interests, without discrimination - that is Cuba's message to the world. Solidarity to the unions everywhere, to every government and movement trying to do the best thing for its people and solidarity to Cuba! That is the message as a brigadista that I will try to pass on.” <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Naya Posotidou, Unite National Publishing Branch</strong></em></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px;"><i> “For all the warmth, welcome and love that the Cubans shared with us, we need to return their solidarity by dispelling the myths about their country. We need to double our efforts to put political pressure on our MP’s to campaign for the United States to finally lift the blockade. We need to show our practical solidarity and organise to support them any way we can. I have huge admiration of the Cuban people and their achievements, but even more could be achieved if the blockade was lifted and Cuba could trade its goods with the world.”<b> </b></i></span></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>Chris Trestrail, Unite Scotland</i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4px;"><i>"The experience of visiting Cuba has broadened my horizons beyond U.K politics and helped me to begin to develop an understanding of socialism in practice. British trade unions have a long history of solidarity with Latin America and I am incredibly proud to be a part of that tradition. It is inspiring to see a country put the well-being of its population first. Health, education and housing are not treated as extras but as fundamental rights. I have made friends for life through my involvement in the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. I will continue to express solidarity with the Cuban people until the blockade is lifted and Guantanamo is returned". </i></span></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>Gwen Cross, Unite South East Region</i></b><br />
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<em style="font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Overall, my trip to Cuba was hugely influential and really inspiring… The Brigade showed us all aspects of Cuban life from Health to Education to Agriculture and to be able to participate and work alongside them not as tourists but instead as friends and supporters was a hugely humbling and powerful experience.” </em><em style="font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Luke Addison</strong></em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Going to Cuba with an open mind I was blown away with the people that I met and the knowledge I gained. From start to finish it was educational and entertaining. My eyes were opened by talking with the Cuban people. Their struggle to end the blockade is a bigger struggle than many people will ever face in a lifetime, but they were happy and full of optimism for the future. The passion they showed for their struggle will live with me forever and for that reason I will be hoping to return in 2018, hopefully seeing Cuba marching forward to victory in ending the blockade! VIVA CUBA!” </em><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ciaran Dwyer</strong></em></div>
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<i>For more brigade photos, visit the <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1npTTc" target="_blank">CSC Flickr page</a></i></div>
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<i>For more information on Cuba Solidarity Campaign, visit the <a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/" target="_blank">CSC Website</a></i></div>
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<em style="font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If</em><em style="font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> you are interested in attending the 2018 May Day brigade, please get in touch with <a href="mailto:campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk" target="_blank">Ollie Hopkins, CSC Campaigns Officer</a></em></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0a9NMjgBltxdDYEFuZTZrAP8jXxRs9YqTNOlvEl7okNBGVh10_9lWdl10nis7kc3kl7trMNNiCGo7nmzFxYC15m66qZVMQGnY27sTy0ciwIBtoNl0lttBybT4OsIHMuStn4UhPw6YMA/s1600/DSC04519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0a9NMjgBltxdDYEFuZTZrAP8jXxRs9YqTNOlvEl7okNBGVh10_9lWdl10nis7kc3kl7trMNNiCGo7nmzFxYC15m66qZVMQGnY27sTy0ciwIBtoNl0lttBybT4OsIHMuStn4UhPw6YMA/s320/DSC04519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwen Cross, Unite South East delegate on May Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNISON delegates march on May Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GMB Delegates Rebecca Mitchell and Joe Spicer on May Day</td></tr>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-57995041013047974552016-05-13T03:19:00.001-07:002016-05-13T03:31:46.204-07:00Young Trade Unionists' 2016 May Day Brigade to Cuba<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">28 Young Trade Unionists from across the
British trade union movement visited Cuba to take part in the May Day
celebrations in Havana and to offer their solidarity to the Cuban people on the
2016 Young Trade Unionists May Day Brigade, organised by Cuba Solidarity
Campaign (CSC).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Delegates from <b>Unite, UNISON, GMB, CWU, RMT
</b>and<b> USDAW</b> – representing several million of workers in Britain and Ireland -
joined trade unionists and political activists from around the world in a
programme of solidarity work, political, educational and cultural visits. The
delegates were also international guests at the May Day rally in Havana and the
International Solidarity with Cuba Conference on May 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">240 activists from 34 countries filled the
Julio Antonio Mella camp in Caimito, Artemisa province, 25 miles away from
Havana, where brigadistas completed programme of early morning agricultural and
manual work.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The </span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Julio Antonio Mella camp</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The 28 young members made up the largest
delegation on the camp - a testament to strength of international solidarity
with Cuba within the British trade union movement. Chile, Venezuela, Brazil,
Palestine, Canada and South Africa also sent large delegations and many more
countries from across Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe were represented
on the camp. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><!--[endif]--></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb-MBRnTKVHChB3o5bskaCK-Bk6DBjAoRRXPj9HTpNVoADkj-FwE6pFUZiSnSlYxT1IFZv_qYdLS7cf-D1hwGIobnIGeiMQMRrjtIKBSExsti-bCPfzM6kdBp3oPzzQBkF_Q1LU7OsPen/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb-MBRnTKVHChB3o5bskaCK-Bk6DBjAoRRXPj9HTpNVoADkj-FwE6pFUZiSnSlYxT1IFZv_qYdLS7cf-D1hwGIobnIGeiMQMRrjtIKBSExsti-bCPfzM6kdBp3oPzzQBkF_Q1LU7OsPen/s400/DSC_0338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ross Holden, GMB North West & Ireland Region delegate, carrying out agricultural work</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The agricultural work, which included
clearing land, cutting grass, weeding, lifting and cleaning, gave a first-hand
insight the struggle of life in Cuba under the ongoing US blockade, which
denies the Cubans access to basic machinery and goods. Transport to the farms was
in the back of open-top trucks or trailers on tractors and cutting grass was
done by hand with machetes; manifestations of a lack of access of resources due
to the blockade.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGH7GyCElgWcv2GprP3mrKcFXMite6tW-la2lVrWal5uCi2QOS80H59SO-q5sLkgcaAWb-ZLYWEY1S8LByICHfifc1WQ5B1A6bPuCQh48l1QMOaLo_dBVFBZcjJ91UzmhUqOCkwA2VF_N/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGH7GyCElgWcv2GprP3mrKcFXMite6tW-la2lVrWal5uCi2QOS80H59SO-q5sLkgcaAWb-ZLYWEY1S8LByICHfifc1WQ5B1A6bPuCQh48l1QMOaLo_dBVFBZcjJ91UzmhUqOCkwA2VF_N/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Unite young members’ returning to the camp by truck after agricultural work</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before departing for Cuba, many of the young
members reported how, following Barack Obama’s recent visit to Cuba and
improving US-Cuba relations, there is a perception amongst colleagues and
friends that the blockade is now over. The delegation saw first-hand that the
ongoing blockade remains in place and Obama’s words of wanting to end the
blockade are a long way from reality as US Congress appears unwilling to end
the over 50 year old policy of aggression towards Cuba.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Political discussions on topics including the
role of trade unions in Cuba, analysis of the Cuban political system, the
ongoing blockade and US intervention in Cuba took place on the camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The brigadistas were esteemed international
guests at the May Day Rally Celebration in Havana, where they enjoyed prime
position, a short distance from the podium where Cuban President Rául Castro
and CTC (Cuban TUC) General Secretary Ulises Guilarte greeted the huge crowds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YJhZewt2rjv3YGGmv5uKb5Chz6dzPHKeLdRBMUNGxR77UCLlw1W-2AWpnIxI7XWngDGGEk73WqCWmFDBHc5Zdg8f-LuFqxV-QN00QXSuXWj55Bi7LvvD3Ur-u-96LpbI0XsQhZrKxLYK/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YJhZewt2rjv3YGGmv5uKb5Chz6dzPHKeLdRBMUNGxR77UCLlw1W-2AWpnIxI7XWngDGGEk73WqCWmFDBHc5Zdg8f-LuFqxV-QN00QXSuXWj55Bi7LvvD3Ur-u-96LpbI0XsQhZrKxLYK/s400/DSC_0183.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Teachers carry giant pencils on Havana’s May Day Rally</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Up to a million Cuban workers celebrated
International Workers' Day under the slogan: “For Cuba: Unity and Commitment”
in Havana. The huge crowds gave the impression of a national rally – yet
Havana’s rally represented just Havana province - May Day rallies took place in
each of the 15 provinces of the island, including hundreds of thousands of
Cubans marching in Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08BRjnSAaHhTd3Ys4II6WG2gKva91d5oe_iw6PQ8xTQvCfr31nO4ZQd55-ChwqZFoNuApnwHEYFL1chUmblggrzYQFDCvc3AnaGnHfZraLVJv131Zv1J80rYkQOU0mTMvPtN6skVCdLx0/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08BRjnSAaHhTd3Ys4II6WG2gKva91d5oe_iw6PQ8xTQvCfr31nO4ZQd55-ChwqZFoNuApnwHEYFL1chUmblggrzYQFDCvc3AnaGnHfZraLVJv131Zv1J80rYkQOU0mTMvPtN6skVCdLx0/s400/DSC_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The 28 young trade unionists’ at Havana’s May Day Rally</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A carnival atmosphere surrounded Havana’s
Revolution Square, where the images of
revolutionary heroes Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos
provided the backdrop to a rally which celebrated the achievements of the Cuban
Revolution. Trade unionists, teachers, doctors, artists and students
contributed to the wide range of colours, flags and banners on display and many
in the crowd carried pictures of Cuba’s revolutionary heroes during the rally.
A live band and dancers added to the celebratory atmosphere, performing a range
of Cuban music styles, with a grand finale of a sing along to the
Internationale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The brigadistas had free time in Havana
following the rally, where they had the opportunity to visit Old Havana, the
iconic Malecón, the Museum of the Revolution, the Committees of the Defence of
the Revolution (CDR) Museum and the opportunity to soak up the sounds and
sights of the lively capital city. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On May 2 the brigade attended the
International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba conference at the Conventions
Palace in Havana, the prestigious venue where Cuba’s parliament meets. The
international conference, broadcast on Cuban television, gave the young
activists a valuable insight into Cuban trade unionism and its crucial role in
the government and economic management of the country. The experience of live
translation through earpieces was a first-experience of its kind for many of
the young members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Conference included distinguished guest
speakers Salvador Valdes, Cuban Vice-President, Ulises Guilarte, CTC General
Secretary, Ana Teresita Gonzalez, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and two
of the Miami Five heroes, Gerardo Hernandez and Fernando González were in
attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXh7n9XlV2WERNB9m_BpQ7hNL2U-gcUGDqXyUkcjSXGlKB3XliexCgSmycSNNthB9zuZbTQ_RLNCLTZKGe2m23IgehAXtrkFJm7CjXfu8-eG3LUgOAnL7XJ4gH4eLRhXYJsvcfdT7AH-v/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXh7n9XlV2WERNB9m_BpQ7hNL2U-gcUGDqXyUkcjSXGlKB3XliexCgSmycSNNthB9zuZbTQ_RLNCLTZKGe2m23IgehAXtrkFJm7CjXfu8-eG3LUgOAnL7XJ4gH4eLRhXYJsvcfdT7AH-v/s400/DSC_0302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: start;">The Miami Five’s Gerardo Hernandez, front left, at the International Solidarity </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Conference</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over 1,000 international trade unionists
attended, with speakers including Maggie Ryan from the Unite the Union EC and
international speakers from trade unions in Nigeria, Palestine, United States,
Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela and many more contributed to the discussion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The importance of international solidarity
with Cuba to help end the blockade at this crucial time was the main theme of
the event. Trade unionists from Brazil gave a timely update to the right-wing
coup attempts taking place in their country. Other speakers highlighted how
progressive governments across Latin America are currently under many threats
from US intervention, regional oligarchs and right-wing destabislation
attempts; all of which pose great threats to Latin America and progressives all
over the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ana Teresita Gonzalez gave an update into the
impact of the blockade and highlighted the extensive international solidarity
with Cuba that exists over the world. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
reported how the latest United Nations resolution on the blockade resulted in
191 – 2 in favour of ending the blockade; with just the United States and
Israel supporting the policy; a credit to international solidarity and Cuba’s
diplomacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were many political, cultural and
historical visits included on the brigade including the Martyrs Mausoleum in
Artemisa. The Mausoleum pays tribute to the revolutionaries who lost their
lives during the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes army
barracks in Santiago de Cuba on 26 July 1953 – the beginning of the July 26
Movement – which led to the successful Cuban Revolution and the ousting of the
US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista on 1 January 1959.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here the brigadistas had the honour of
meeting Artemisa resident Ramon Pez Ferro, a veteran from the 26 July Movement,
a guerrilla in the Cuban Revolution and an internationalist fighter for
Angola’s independence, who greeted the young activists on arrival to the
mausoleum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In Santa Clara, the brigade the visited Che
Guevara Memorial, the burial site of the revolutionary hero. They visited the
nearby armoured train - the scene of the Battle of Santa Clara, where Che’s
battalion attacked a train carrying weapons for Batista - a defining moment for
the success of the Cuban Revolution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The brigade learned how co-operatives are
playing an increasingly important role in Cuba, running many agricultural
projects with profits being shared between the co-ops and the state. They
visited co-operatives and met with their workers who produce a range of
products using a variety of skills; including brick making, organic sugar cane
and vegetable farming; rearing cattle and producing honey. The brigade had the
unique opportunity to taste honey through a straw - direct from the hive - and
to taste fresh sugar cane juice, metres away from where the cane was grown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbsU8iFooloPglwFYj2ii-T53VCgdbYknPPKQSt4scB-FpP1mZeeNpJ_FsjrUiBpesVaTVT6Dv2BfSjVzAyrwEJN8Zw8Ww45_x3K-O5-5NfHViFBvk7vM-d0o4yiA1neeN2ArnErhoDuY/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbsU8iFooloPglwFYj2ii-T53VCgdbYknPPKQSt4scB-FpP1mZeeNpJ_FsjrUiBpesVaTVT6Dv2BfSjVzAyrwEJN8Zw8Ww45_x3K-O5-5NfHViFBvk7vM-d0o4yiA1neeN2ArnErhoDuY/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Making bricks at a co-operative in Artemisa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The brigade offered experiences far beyond
that of an average tourist in Cuba, with meetings with the leaders of trade
unions and mass organisations, the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution
(CDR), invitations to conferences, co-operative visits, and the opportunity to
ask questions to both Cuban and international trade unionists. The brigade
visited the Santci Spiritus province during the programme, where a local CDR
organised a street party to get to know their international guests and
demonstrate to the delegation the organising and community work carried out by
the CDR.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amongst the packed itinerary there was free
time where the young members had time for fun and relaxation. Many walked to
the local village near the camp where they could practice their Spanish with
locals by ordering food and drinks and talk politics - and football – and other
visits including trips to the local beaches and the legendary Tropicana club in
Havana. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Conditions on the camp were basic, with
accommodation in bunk bed dormitories, cold water showers and basic food
provided. The delegation bonded over Cuban beers and Havana Club rum in the
evenings, and the camp’s Cultural Night gave a unique opportunity for the
delegation to perform in front of camp in a performance to represent their
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The delegation’s performance went down well
with the international crowd, with a performance featuring Welsh, Scottish and
Irish songs, with a grand finale of The Beatles’ Hey Jude for a well known sing
along for the crowd. The stall featured whiskey, beers, biscuits, tea, and
trade union branded merchandise which went down a storm amongst the
international camp - particularly the whiskey!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In addition to the unique opportunity of
spending 12 days alongside Cubans, the international element on the camp
allowed the young activists to make friends, contacts and networks with other
activists from all around the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lm6y_cVDPr7gufnIDfCT6Q9Hn53U5hqQqLeHrIo1MjMUeKzWRAnnwgiKc6ZpDOnS_g35fmHv5eu_JcDw8HfG5otb0tZDQNyYZ3K2JfDK0eJ1AAQbRQUhIsqTpdMP1HJCMG0YuTunlpX0/s1600/13165841_102059236295601629_8679537223798945493_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lm6y_cVDPr7gufnIDfCT6Q9Hn53U5hqQqLeHrIo1MjMUeKzWRAnnwgiKc6ZpDOnS_g35fmHv5eu_JcDw8HfG5otb0tZDQNyYZ3K2JfDK0eJ1AAQbRQUhIsqTpdMP1HJCMG0YuTunlpX0/s400/13165841_102059236295601629_8679537223798945493_n.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Group farewell photo on the camp, in front of pictures of Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The brigadistas ended the delegation with a
renewed enthusiasm to become increasingly active in their trade unions and to
work alongside CSC to campaign to end the US blockade of Cuba once and for all,
to return the illegally occupied Guantanamo Bay area to Cuba and to stop US
intervention on the island.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The brigade saw first-hand the achievements
of the Revolution; world-class schools and hospitals despite being under
blockade for over five decades, inspiring organic co-operatives, and proud
communities determined to defend their independence from US intervention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Cubans made clear that Cuba needs
international solidarity now more than ever, with the US changing its tactics
rather than their goals. The support and solidarity from the British trade
union movement is invaluable as we work together to end the blockade once and
for all at this crucial time. The support of young members within the movement
is crucial for future solidarity with the island, as Cuba continues to show
that another world - where peoples’ needs are put before profit - is truly possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Viva Cuba! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cubasolidaritycampaign/albums/72157668213990335/with/26896217146/" target="_blank">More photos from the brigade can be seen onthe CSC Flickr Page here</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are interested in the 2017 brigade, please get in touch with Ollie Hopkins, CSC Campaigns Officer on campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Brigadista’s Feedback:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“… a once in a lifetime experience. I've
campaigned in solidarity for Cuba for many years and found it very special.
Standing with Cubans as they marched through Havana, worked in the fields or
sat with a glass of rum in their houses. I've been to Cuba many times on
holiday but have never encountered such real experiences of Cuban society. The
Cuban people struggle with pride and dignity as the revolution overcomes
inevitable contradictions and obstacles placed in its path. We learnt from
strong women who led a local committee for the defence of the revolution and
workers on cooperative farms. Cubans are proud of their revolution and fighting
to continue its successes into the 21st century. Delegates can take home a
sense of inspiration at what can be done and apply it to our workplaces. It was
an honour to represent my union on the best delegation I've ever had the
pleasure to participate in.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>George Waterhouse, RMT</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“ Seeing how communities work together, care
for strangers and their own with no question of their economic standing. Yes
there are things that aren't great but it's how the society knows that and put
plans in place to try to improve them that makes the state so different from
anywhere else… there are no homeless people, the elderly, children and disabled
are all priorities in communities. The education and health system is second to
none! (Had to use it myself). </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can proudly say these two weeks have been
the most emotional, political, amazing, uplifting time of my life. The best
saying I heard while I was there was that Cuba is like an ant sleeping with an
elephant (America). They have to be aware at every point. U.S. goal has stayed
the same, just not their strategy!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Mary Hackwood, Unite London and Eastern
Region</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“A once in a lifetime opportunity that I feel
so grateful to have experienced. From learning about the struggles imposed on
Cuba from the illegal US blockade to meeting with workers and families on how
they maintain their values and community priorities in spite of the great
difficulties they face. My affirmation to socialism and trade union values is
even more strengthened… The fight goes on!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Lexy Davies-Jones, Unite Wales <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Travelling to Cuba as part of the Cuba
Solidarity Campaign delegation was life-changing. It allowed me to see there is
a different, fairer way of life and I intend to campaign hard for that here now
that I am home”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Jack England, CWU</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Going to Cuba with CSC shows you the Cuba
away from the tourist trail. Here I met ordinary and often rural communities,
who with their hospitality and generosity treated me as a friend rather than a
visitor. These communities have their own intimate connection to Cuban
socialism and were more than happy to answer questions on Cuba today and their
opinions on current issues such as relations with the U.S. in light of Obama's
recent visit. The brigade taught me a great deal about the island, the
resilience of the Cuban people and their socialism against global challenges,
and it has also inspired me. For me, this trip is only just the beginning. I
will be going back to my GMB branch, Young Members Network and the UK trade
union movement as a whole with everything I have learnt from this trip, working
with them to show full solidarity with Cuba and to campaign with CSC.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Ross Holden, GMB North West and Ireland Region</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Visiting Cuba with the CSC has been the most
amazing experience of my life. It is inspiring to see how strong the Cuban
people are and how they get by with the limitations from the blockade. The most
important thing that I have taken from this trip is that the people of Cuba
still need our help and solidarity to end the blockade as people think that
since Obama visited this meant it was over. The blockade is unfair and unjust
and has to stop! The people of Cuba need our help and I plan to do all that I
can to do so! VIVA CUBA!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bernadette Lafferty, UNISON Scotland</b>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-25304076121445296162015-08-24T08:11:00.000-07:002015-09-11T01:43:39.854-07:00Cuban Futures Conference 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.cubasolidaritycampaign.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/cuban-futures-conference-2015.html#more" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR7EjiJpk2WwpSAdc3Qzph0HsQs2HUP6iw72FDR98ktURnn9B6LZgHPfTqz_3LNpFGor6yFOHP2-HDKoCPDufGouwrPUsQ0Sam9_CECSwmCyn846rpZicNAkbQ4Bf7PG2Xb7iUkzbVLJS/s320/cuban-futures-logo-colour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Want to know what’s happening in Cuba and the reality behind the headlines on US-Cuba relations? Then you need to come to the <a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/news.asp?ItemID=2757" target="_blank">Cuban Futures Conference</a> for a Cuban perspective on what’s really happening in the country.</h4>
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Cuban Futures 2015, Saturday 3 October, 9.30am-5pm</div>
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Council Chamber, TUC Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS </div>
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<a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/departments/events-and-tickets/546/cuban-futures-conference---3-october-2015---tickets" target="_blank">Book your tickets here</a> </div>
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A great line up of speakers from Cuba, the UK and North America look set to make Cuban Futures the most important conference on Cuba in Britain this year. </div>
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The historic <a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/news.asp?ItemID=2800" target="_blank">opening of Cuban and US embassies</a> in Washington and Havana on 20 July 2015 marks the first step on a long road to normalisation of relations. But what does this mean for Cuba and Cubans living both on and outside the island? How can the two countries have normal relations while the US maintains its illegal blockade and continues to occupy Guantánamo Bay?</div>
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These are some of the thought-provoking questions that this one day conference will be asking and we have a great line up of speakers and experts to answer them.</div>
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As well as leading speakers form Cuba, the conference brings together other experts on the Cuban Revolution, economy, democracy, trade union rights, US-Cuba relations, and internationalism. Academics, politicians, diplomats, trade union leaders, journalists and authors, as well as Cubans living both in the country and those in the UK will discuss recent developments and the opportunities and threats they pose to the Cuban Revolution. </div>
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Keynote speakers include:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEMNqxkf3147ru9dcu-vNjpM9ZNGe1tGPgCXfIV-ZQAO_wnYiZB96PFcEITAuUNYeZSOl2RSL1O3Gvh12hoWp_QjAbfma5I02DqoGIg9fMitiP05PTjXSsjiaHOYjSLB7RtZohIy1Y-2R/s1600/rafael-hernandez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEMNqxkf3147ru9dcu-vNjpM9ZNGe1tGPgCXfIV-ZQAO_wnYiZB96PFcEITAuUNYeZSOl2RSL1O3Gvh12hoWp_QjAbfma5I02DqoGIg9fMitiP05PTjXSsjiaHOYjSLB7RtZohIy1Y-2R/s200/rafael-hernandez.jpg" width="146" /></a><br />
<b>Rafael Hernández</b> (Cuba)<br />
<br />
Rafael Hernández is the editor of Temas, the leading Cuban magazine in the social sciences and the humanities, which is renowned for its contribution to intellectual controversy on the island. He is a senior research fellow at the Centro de Investigación de la Cultura Cubana Juan Marinello in Havana and is the author or editor of several books, including Cuba and the Caribbean and United States-Cuban Relations in the Nineties.<br />
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<b>Arleen Rodriguez Derivet</b> (Cuba)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn5Kxgi-pb3rLIyTKF1P4ISunOs4glZzjO_pUTyI_fKB1VHxn107SjmRwGKij95m3fRemzZSmy8kCHqZK9yUDV3gy1oLD24Pca5BO_Jduabwi6xcAec0Dc6GSjQWJ7yCeoWiND3NCRyg8/s1600/arleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn5Kxgi-pb3rLIyTKF1P4ISunOs4glZzjO_pUTyI_fKB1VHxn107SjmRwGKij95m3fRemzZSmy8kCHqZK9yUDV3gy1oLD24Pca5BO_Jduabwi6xcAec0Dc6GSjQWJ7yCeoWiND3NCRyg8/s1600/arleen.jpg" /></a>Arleen Rodriguez is a prominent Cuban journalist and the Director of Mesa Rotunda (Round Table) the most important discussion programme for analysis of national and international debates on Cuban TV, together with a weekly show on Telesur. A fromer member of the Cuban National Assembly, she has interviewed presidents and some of the most recognised personalities in the political and intellectual realm, inside and outside her country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6R_jI4XQVu-JIFYdICAUo-2xucbjSjxVItMxu-5X9K5vBWG36c01njY8TEG84mYFn34O9nQuVdZtz_YGxL3d_ZGDuRj2mnR60yh3J7HhxLy_Ej05I-5aoYU38R-2pPsym6Ii4RdXWyZB/s1600/CarlosAlzugaray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6R_jI4XQVu-JIFYdICAUo-2xucbjSjxVItMxu-5X9K5vBWG36c01njY8TEG84mYFn34O9nQuVdZtz_YGxL3d_ZGDuRj2mnR60yh3J7HhxLy_Ej05I-5aoYU38R-2pPsym6Ii4RdXWyZB/s200/CarlosAlzugaray.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Dr Carlos Alzugaray Treto</b> Cuba)</div>
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A former Cuban diplomat, internationally recognised political analyst and university lecturer. His last two diplomatic posts were advisor to the Foreign Minister of Global Political Affairs and Cuba’s ambassador to the European Union. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG26f7S5Lz0alQ7dJk7Zdcr-eUlKkIy10uOfofXaUVefZ5pDywjpJRcBKhGfMa4MJxdBBnv6omLC6Yf5ZjPNchDRgMSluD16NhvgRx4NbZatHSCGI6GszLlKmIaNN2uoZJ44AuSq711NqK/s1600/p36-37Teresita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG26f7S5Lz0alQ7dJk7Zdcr-eUlKkIy10uOfofXaUVefZ5pDywjpJRcBKhGfMa4MJxdBBnv6omLC6Yf5ZjPNchDRgMSluD16NhvgRx4NbZatHSCGI6GszLlKmIaNN2uoZJ44AuSq711NqK/s200/p36-37Teresita.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b><b>Her Excellency Teresita Vicente</b></b></div>
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Teresita is the current ambassador to Britain. Previously to this she was the Cuban ambassador in Canada and has worked in the Cuban Foreign Ministry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnNfhqUUftUaFn3ZHe_1qwto4Ikmm11n68oZeDQ-56Az9mNwXtJYOj0SoJpwpO1mh9mVQ5321F5RroF-koMJcvLrru7dqqsmg4TJIyquPLm9LEdPlicwBXAvwNVSUK2ZXXW0q0KyQPQTM/s1600/BrianWilson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnNfhqUUftUaFn3ZHe_1qwto4Ikmm11n68oZeDQ-56Az9mNwXtJYOj0SoJpwpO1mh9mVQ5321F5RroF-koMJcvLrru7dqqsmg4TJIyquPLm9LEdPlicwBXAvwNVSUK2ZXXW0q0KyQPQTM/s200/BrianWilson1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Rt. Hon. Brian Wilson</b> (UK)</div>
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A former Energy Minister and Labour MP from 1987-2005. Currently chairman of Havana Energy - which has secured the first ever joint venture to build power stations fuelled by biomass from sugar plantations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO9KYFBj6hTbBLs2_Bxj44AX2iZfU6OnXJqUdm6PTpdxvn0hH4OrLjbo2NQiLRe1gYPm4i4rAsL0cqH1xAviwr0r2282JclzS5e1Ao30MaEFHEDhS0236pWk95daP0w0GyWS2vJEV9RKU/s1600/keithbolender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO9KYFBj6hTbBLs2_Bxj44AX2iZfU6OnXJqUdm6PTpdxvn0hH4OrLjbo2NQiLRe1gYPm4i4rAsL0cqH1xAviwr0r2282JclzS5e1Ao30MaEFHEDhS0236pWk95daP0w0GyWS2vJEV9RKU/s200/keithbolender.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Keith Bolender (Canada)</b><br />
Keith Bolender is a lecturer in journalism and the award winning author of two books on Cuba – ‘Voices From the Other Side; An Oral History of Terrorism Against Cuba’, and’ Cuba Under Siege:American Policy, the Revolution and its People’.<br />
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<b>Professor Antoni Kapcia (Nottingham University)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mJvtKSa6svWGO4do40WD4KfxWLP-MwKyYOTOUx5f2Euqxm2xiD874HeSlwLbDU6-gij7eI2vWjYcLnjxv3m1I33qhRASqchsDawqsfHYAz0Xw0LCcW4GjGfEHH2Bcq3_gt1ifJ8-laPj/s1600/akapcia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mJvtKSa6svWGO4do40WD4KfxWLP-MwKyYOTOUx5f2Euqxm2xiD874HeSlwLbDU6-gij7eI2vWjYcLnjxv3m1I33qhRASqchsDawqsfHYAz0Xw0LCcW4GjGfEHH2Bcq3_gt1ifJ8-laPj/s1600/akapcia.jpg" /></a>Professor Antoni Kapcia specialises on modern Cuba, including the Revolution's ideology, radicalisation and cultural development, with a wider interest in the questions of nationalism, national identity, and ideological patterns; and contemporary Cuban history and politics, focussing on participation, the Party, the political system and cultural politics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOK-T8y78CQcEZcozCOSxptlJqQqoSfC3FFhybuqBMW8JMdM5Hu-6cEgFECImhBPsQ30cfLxByF4JybbpDHznyN04WaOANepf6irjz50QLFSYagk8Hb4dH9AC0dl47-bsIak2hcb9JXQs/s1600/E.Kirk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOK-T8y78CQcEZcozCOSxptlJqQqoSfC3FFhybuqBMW8JMdM5Hu-6cEgFECImhBPsQ30cfLxByF4JybbpDHznyN04WaOANepf6irjz50QLFSYagk8Hb4dH9AC0dl47-bsIak2hcb9JXQs/s200/E.Kirk.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<b>Dr Emily Kirk</b> (Nottingham University)<br />
Dr Emily Kirk specialises in International Development and is a lecturer in US-Cuba relations and Cuban history. Her research focuses on health and well-being in Cuba, with publications in areas including sexual diversity, human rights, medical internationalism and global health.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmVfb41yZv966C6XZAKfpB-WNWxL9bWk9GxMrBfPthQOfCIfxnmr7wbTSwsgVr2sAIQxQS2s6X4NiANQt3RWJ5UIVeHeGmFOtBoFN-Do9l7rUJLheCmAP_XU4R2OdXEWqK8_2wmJijfKe/s1600/RichardBurgonMP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmVfb41yZv966C6XZAKfpB-WNWxL9bWk9GxMrBfPthQOfCIfxnmr7wbTSwsgVr2sAIQxQS2s6X4NiANQt3RWJ5UIVeHeGmFOtBoFN-Do9l7rUJLheCmAP_XU4R2OdXEWqK8_2wmJijfKe/s200/RichardBurgonMP.JPG" width="175" /></a><br />
<b>Richard Burgon MP </b><br />
Richard Burgon, recently elected MP for Leeds East and excellent speaker on progressive movements in Latin America<br />
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<b>Dr Steve Ludlam</b> (UK)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E72NSCW3RVsJq3jwes1Fp92_NgY6BE4jJtxZByDQF4TwWutfXsj1rSvQIdQl1KzvZFskI7cj1XaojWi0Aec9vcCjqesYnDwwWioXBxfnUvzkYd7AIRdSIBzxEP6JGmjY6fqdy5guJsWP/s1600/IMG_7234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E72NSCW3RVsJq3jwes1Fp92_NgY6BE4jJtxZByDQF4TwWutfXsj1rSvQIdQl1KzvZFskI7cj1XaojWi0Aec9vcCjqesYnDwwWioXBxfnUvzkYd7AIRdSIBzxEP6JGmjY6fqdy5guJsWP/s200/IMG_7234.jpg" width="160" /></a>Dr Steve Ludlam is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Sheffield. He teaches contemporary Cuban and Latin American politics, visits Cuba regularly, and is a specialist in Cuban employment law. He is a member of the Cuba Research Forum, an editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies, and an honorary member of the Faculty of Third Age Studies of the University of Havana and of the Cuban National Lawyers Union’s Labour Law section. He is co-editor of Reclaiming Latin America: Experiments in Radical Social Democracy and of Rightwing Politics in the New Latin America: Reaction and Revolt.<br />
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<b>Linda Perk</b>s (UK)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz34EidlkThOrcO5-d6LHpQt3PIcrGJJdWo26P9zClj7zgbrYsPqUJ4e_D27_ecLM4SXdLAei-K5Mqb5PUgzcsaefzzBUv5AK6bWQQr2XmCCWbMSv0S2_JGvg3NQ38utnr0rDUn3lBJrSA/s1600/lindaperks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz34EidlkThOrcO5-d6LHpQt3PIcrGJJdWo26P9zClj7zgbrYsPqUJ4e_D27_ecLM4SXdLAei-K5Mqb5PUgzcsaefzzBUv5AK6bWQQr2XmCCWbMSv0S2_JGvg3NQ38utnr0rDUn3lBJrSA/s200/lindaperks.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Linda is the London Regional Secretary for trade union Unison, and the Vice President of South East Region Trades Union Congress (SERTUC) who are joint hosts of Cuban Futures 2015.<br />
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<b>Lauren Collins</b> (UK)<br />
Lauren has carried out in depth research on democracy and participation in Cuba as part of her studies at Nottingham University.</div>
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<b>Workshop themes</b></div>
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As well as plenary sessions exploring the issues making the headlines, workshops will explore underlying themes in more depth including; where exactly blockade legislation stands; how relations with Cuba can never be normalised until the US leaves Guantánamo; how US intervention in Cuban affairs has evolved over the years and how it might manifest itself in the future; the new Labour Code and challenges presented to the Cuban trade union movement by growing self employment, free trade zones, and US funding of ‘independent’ unions; Cuba’s participatory democracy – how does it work and what will the country look like after the 2018 elections when Raúl Castro stands down as President; the role in of ALBA and regional priorities and threats; defending the gains of the Revolution; and more.</div>
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Workshop sessions include:</div>
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<b>The blockade – where it’s at<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></div>
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<b>US intervention – is it business as usual for US ‘regime change’ advocates? </b></div>
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<b>What about the workers – new challenges for Cuban unions</b></div>
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<b>Media myths and Cuban realities</b></div>
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<b>What now for the solidarity movement?</b></div>
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What are the biggest threats now facing Cuba? How can the international solidarity movement support Cuba, end the blockade and build support for doing so? A key discussion at the conference will be to discuss the important role that international solidarity still has to play to end the blockade once and for all, and to publicise and help defend the gains of the Cuban Revolution.</div>
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CSC believes there is a need to counter the widespread misconception that the blockade is over and that Cuba is no longer under threat from US intervention. Whilst US methods may be changing, the objective of regime change and promoting US interests on the island remain the same. Solidarity activists need to be armed with up to date information to counter new attacks against Cuba both in the media, and the assertion from some commentators on the right and left that, with improving US relations, Cuba should somehow now be obliged to change its political and economic system to one more in keeping with US and European models. </div>
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With this in mind, briefing papers will be produced to accompany each session so that delegates have resources to take away and back to organisations or local groups. Full reports from the conference and each workshop will also be produced and made available online following the event. </div>
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Tickets are available now priced £10 waged/£8 unwaged</div>
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<a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/departments/events-and-tickets/546/cuban-futures-conference---3-october-2015---tickets" target="_blank">Book online today here</a> / call 0207 490 5715 / email office@cuba-solidarity.org.uk </div>
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Limited places – <a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/departments/events-and-tickets/546/cuban-futures-conference---3-october-2015---tickets" target="_blank">please book early to avoid disappointment </a></div>
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<b>Conference Dinner</b><br />
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Join us for a post conference fundraising dinner at TAS Turkish Restaurant in the heart of Bloomsbury. The dinner will provide a relaxing atmosphere to meet informally with other delegates and conference speakers and listen to after dinner speeches.<br />
Tickets are £40 and include a Havana Club Rum welcome cocktail, a three course meal with wine, and after dinner coffee or tea.<br />
The meal includes a choice of five main course dishes including chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetarian options.<br />
Please book early as there are only limited places at the restaurant.<br />
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<a href="http://cuba-solidarity.org.uk/docs/cuban-futures-conference-3-October-2015.pdf" target="_blank">Download the conference leaflet here</a></div>
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<i>Cuban futures is organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and South East Region TUC International Committee and supported by the Ken Gill Memorial Trust and the Nick Burdon and Denis Blockley Memorial Trust Fund.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>With thanks to support from:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>UNISON</i><br />
<i>Unite North West Region</i><br />
<i>Unite London and Eastern Region</i><br />
<i>GMB Yorkshire & N Derbyshire Region</i><br />
<i>Community</i><br />
<i>Unite 6235</i><br />
<i>Unite Tyneside Eees Branch</i><br />
<i>El Societe Grande</i><i></i><br />
<i>Unite NE/GEO/29 Durham Geog</i><br />
<i>Unite LE 1365 Stansted Airport</i><i></i><br />
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<i>Miss C Howard</i></div>
<i>Guiseppe Deidda-Atzori</i><br />
<i>Unison Hammersmith & Fulham</i><br />
<i>Unite Preston & S Ribble Branch (0522)</i><br />
<i>Unite Bolton & District Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite Brighton SE/6246 Branch</i><br />
<i>Unison St Helens & Knowsley Health Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite Sudbury L/E 979 Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite (Amicus) Bamber Bridge Branch</i><br />
<i>Unison Gateshead Health Branch</i><br />
<i>ASLEF Feltham Electric Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite Yeovil SW/8007 Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite Dartford & North Kent Branch</i><br />
<i>Unite West Midlands 7685 Branch</i><br />
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<i>Unite NE/GEO/1 Sheffield East Branch</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHb3QNEJI7k9x5j6PxwUUePJpwbX0tbW7wxUX9OY031MMDV_DMYJZ-sJsOxft4XEZL7xqdoSslMNx4dHrjN2O0dt0WpA7UdonIly266b-G2u9iuzSP7di5pSFWRqBFsp2WpXL2UpLQTgJ/s1600/SETUCLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHb3QNEJI7k9x5j6PxwUUePJpwbX0tbW7wxUX9OY031MMDV_DMYJZ-sJsOxft4XEZL7xqdoSslMNx4dHrjN2O0dt0WpA7UdonIly266b-G2u9iuzSP7di5pSFWRqBFsp2WpXL2UpLQTgJ/s200/SETUCLogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHb3QNEJI7k9x5j6PxwUUePJpwbX0tbW7wxUX9OY031MMDV_DMYJZ-sJsOxft4XEZL7xqdoSslMNx4dHrjN2O0dt0WpA7UdonIly266b-G2u9iuzSP7di5pSFWRqBFsp2WpXL2UpLQTgJ/s1600/SETUCLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yzlAs9-CyaGTXcPso1cjH_XxftC0rCdcDz4_ZtEnhcdsbmqOZNuHeRH9oG7zO6VFUZoxS_TDQjVEhzKq48aC6i7c9CjiQm4W0o2pp-sAxSVgCywUOsQOosk8vyGWACnHtP9R6JDkzyC9/s1600/KenGillMemorialFund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29xWZmU8nr8BjRmSCzIAkl6g0U93z3TIySB9uyWahVf8jn-_wdFTaw7X2wEZ-d73oUNibZ0ajy05JUTMHF1GWtIIULWbEl7depJ9NmJ5rnk_xf_jXdCocey7cA3YP2_vtylfT8DHM_5eh/s1600/UNISON+COLOUR+%25281%2529+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29xWZmU8nr8BjRmSCzIAkl6g0U93z3TIySB9uyWahVf8jn-_wdFTaw7X2wEZ-d73oUNibZ0ajy05JUTMHF1GWtIIULWbEl7depJ9NmJ5rnk_xf_jXdCocey7cA3YP2_vtylfT8DHM_5eh/s200/UNISON+COLOUR+%25281%2529+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yzlAs9-CyaGTXcPso1cjH_XxftC0rCdcDz4_ZtEnhcdsbmqOZNuHeRH9oG7zO6VFUZoxS_TDQjVEhzKq48aC6i7c9CjiQm4W0o2pp-sAxSVgCywUOsQOosk8vyGWACnHtP9R6JDkzyC9/s200/KenGillMemorialFund.jpg" width="200" />Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-15734645754910931962015-05-14T01:51:00.001-07:002015-05-14T01:57:02.161-07:00Escape the grey British weather this winter with the Cycle Cuba Challenge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgS2OeeOYEAR31KR6HfGpVtQIOSuRaclDbc3E3uKzoGUzPbffucISKqrunsRAxRCHBTdkm5PqxHlKxpSAozMqheh0ZiRE3PbtXDvymFUptvhc4C9X3R6hiIXiDyjAnHcCBPoPLpNNC4Z9/s1600/bikeride3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgS2OeeOYEAR31KR6HfGpVtQIOSuRaclDbc3E3uKzoGUzPbffucISKqrunsRAxRCHBTdkm5PqxHlKxpSAozMqheh0ZiRE3PbtXDvymFUptvhc4C9X3R6hiIXiDyjAnHcCBPoPLpNNC4Z9/s1600/bikeride3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relax by mountain lakes and on palm fringed beaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
If
you would like a truly unique and memorable experience of Cuba in 2015 then join
<a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/" target="_blank">Cuba Solidarity Campaign</a> on the <a href="http://edm.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/csc_lists/lt.php?id=ehoKCAwNV0gCBwhFCFECUA" target="_blank"><b>Cycle Cuba Challenge</b></a> this November and see the country
as you never have before.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
Want
to know how you can sign up for the trip of a lifetime today? <b><a href="http://edm.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/csc_lists/lt.php?id=ehoKCAwNV0gCBwhFCFECUA" target="_blank">Just click here.</a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cycling
through dramatic scenery and along quiet rural roads away from the usual tourist
trails provides wonderful opportunities to experience vibrant Cuban culture at
first hand.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
The
12-day <a href="http://edm.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/csc_lists/lt.php?id=ehoKCAwNV0gCBwhFCFECUA" target="_blank"><b>November 2015 Cycle Challenge route</b></a> takes in an
exhilarating 315 kilometres from Sancti Spíritus, one of Cuba’s seven original
Spanish towns, to the historic city of Santa Clara, home to the Che Guevara
memorial and museum. The start and finish of the trip are based in the capital
Havana, the beautiful UNESCO World heritage site, where you have the chance to
explore this fascinating city with an expert local guide.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Our
Cycle Challenge is special</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM4sQhejT9Bh0tngCFcao0LENCFRa0_5CCUG48t3tes5YF_T0r8V7jbxzxKVR7i7ng9G91GTkYLv9gJUdViW3mmQm8YluUjuKEYw1MyRjs-22twRpNXtEEcB4sgtCsCn6DeIGhtjWGD6z/s1600/bikeride2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM4sQhejT9Bh0tngCFcao0LENCFRa0_5CCUG48t3tes5YF_T0r8V7jbxzxKVR7i7ng9G91GTkYLv9gJUdViW3mmQm8YluUjuKEYw1MyRjs-22twRpNXtEEcB4sgtCsCn6DeIGhtjWGD6z/s1600/bikeride2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycle unspoilt country lanes and by turquoise blue Caribbean seas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
The
CSC Cycle Cuba Challenge is especially unique among the myriad of sponsored
cycle rides around. Not only are the overall costs and minimum sponsorship lower
than the others, but CSC’s Cycle Cuba Challenge also includes educational and
cultural visits, and raises money to help end the blockade of Cuba and funds
projects directly in the country itself.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
Take
part in this year’s Challenge and you will be supporting the work of Cuba
Solidarity Campaign; raising funds for the Abel Santamaría School in Havana for
visually impaired children, and you will deliver vital educational materials
direct to the school – a highlight of the trip for many past participants.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
<b>You’re
not too old, or too unfit to do it!</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JI9C8_qMqsXoX0ctW7LTqLPlQLc27lHrzH44xEsiLYrXlhKEwtcXeEAffmt7mHRHuSXOSKDCf7-4AyyxhkD-QkzuG3we47Bi1EJSwbRRXgD8VUAArDcYMWBdBoUjd0yUiLb2zYacbJ54/s1600/bikeride4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JI9C8_qMqsXoX0ctW7LTqLPlQLc27lHrzH44xEsiLYrXlhKEwtcXeEAffmt7mHRHuSXOSKDCf7-4AyyxhkD-QkzuG3we47Bi1EJSwbRRXgD8VUAArDcYMWBdBoUjd0yUiLb2zYacbJ54/s1600/bikeride4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try out your salsa steps in the exciting capital Havana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
You
don’t need to be super fit, just healthy and active enough to ride a bike in
warm weather and follow a basic training programme for a few weeks before you
go. Past participants have ranged in age from 17 to 66, many of whom had not
cycled any long distances before signing up. Taking part in the Challenge is a
great incentive to help you get fit too!</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Value
for money</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCIp8Ma88Gv7phyphenhyphenAN3RSTChCcmiqBneQzRhcK8rGACxtzDD-0gDt8p47k78WybAPhn-SR2Kyh_nRW2BEsec40qwh7nW8ONyhCPCFjYru-DY-4LKc9yIddme9eTAIDLmuUoEtrWLLz8nJj/s1600/bikeride1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCIp8Ma88Gv7phyphenhyphenAN3RSTChCcmiqBneQzRhcK8rGACxtzDD-0gDt8p47k78WybAPhn-SR2Kyh_nRW2BEsec40qwh7nW8ONyhCPCFjYru-DY-4LKc9yIddme9eTAIDLmuUoEtrWLLz8nJj/s1600/bikeride1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit immaculately preserved colonial towns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
The
total cost of the 12 day tour includes international flights, accommodation, a
dedicated support team including a cycle tour manager, a fully qualified
mechanic and English speaking local guide, all transfers, packed lunches on ride
days, most meals, plus entrance to cultural and historic visits.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: 11pt;">When
is it?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
This
year the 12 day trip runs from 5 - 17 November 2015. Participants are asked to
pay a£199 registration fee + raise £2699 minimum sponsorship, which includes all
tour costs.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
If
you have any other questions about the Cycle Challenge, you can find out more by
clicking the <a href="http://edm.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/csc_lists/lt.php?id=ehoKCAwNV0gCBwhFCFECUA" target="_blank"><b>Cycle Cuba Challenge link here, </b></a>email <a href="mailto:tours@cuba-solidarity.org.uk" target="_blank"><b>tours@cuba-solidarity.org.uk</b></a>, or call the office Monday
– Friday 10am – 5pm and speak to Rob or Trish who will be able to answer all
your questions.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
We
look forward to seeing you on the road in November!</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 12px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">PS.
Just in case you need anymore encouragement, </span><a href="http://edm.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/csc_lists/lt.php?id=ehoKCAwNUUgCBwhFCFECUA" style="font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank"><b>here’s a short film</b></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> made by one of the 2013 Cycle
Challenge participants.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGrWiKCCfvSZ1_ZfY9UNK3_Qpe45W5VyhXb83ayRKqAMac4j05PdGloklBTQMe1gbktvxHSkIdV6IOY2Gm2_AOzJ8aBEbRanFKXIUuktqp14wjiYMvisdsQ06xhYw3kNI3WLG90o_zp1H/s1600/bikeride5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGrWiKCCfvSZ1_ZfY9UNK3_Qpe45W5VyhXb83ayRKqAMac4j05PdGloklBTQMe1gbktvxHSkIdV6IOY2Gm2_AOzJ8aBEbRanFKXIUuktqp14wjiYMvisdsQ06xhYw3kNI3WLG90o_zp1H/s1600/bikeride5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Support Cuba and help the campaign to end the US blockade</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-61730319680232955502015-05-13T07:40:00.003-07:002015-10-22T04:30:12.957-07:00Young Trade Unionists May Day Brigade 2015 Report<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvImW5OpciAXqQGO-2So_lWnU_BmylxfEWB6Oj8byl-60FyghtKbcU2lIdsci2dSStdfYl6VTxf8RYoS-U9lQmMuYwDmyCljUzG_FCoqdCCOvtDY6ua4uTMFUTpTYeHY-DDKRzit41c3c/s1600/DSC00482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvImW5OpciAXqQGO-2So_lWnU_BmylxfEWB6Oj8byl-60FyghtKbcU2lIdsci2dSStdfYl6VTxf8RYoS-U9lQmMuYwDmyCljUzG_FCoqdCCOvtDY6ua4uTMFUTpTYeHY-DDKRzit41c3c/s320/DSC00482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Trade Unionists at the Julio Antonio Mella Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Twenty-six young activists from across the British trade
union movement visited Cuba to enjoy the May Day celebrations and offer their
solidarity to the Cuban people as part of the Young Trade Unionists May Day
Brigade, organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC).</h4>
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Delegates from four trade unions; Unite, UNISON, UCATT and
GMB participated in the brigade, representing millions of workers in Britain,
who joined trade unionists and political activists from around the world in a
programme of cultural activities, visits, entertainment and political
discussion.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying out agricultural work</td></tr>
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The shift in the US-Cuba relations and the release of the
Miami Five were issues central to this year’s brigade, with emphasis on the
fact that the blockade is not over. Topics of political discussion included the
Cuban political systems, the US and its policy towards Cuba and importance of
international solidarity.</div>
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240 activists from 20 countries filled the Julio Antonio
Mella camp near Havana, where brigadistas carried out early morning
agricultural and manual work, including weeding, lifting and cleaning, where
they experienced first-hand the struggle of life under the US blockade, which
denies the Cubans access to basic machinery and goods. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Day Rally in Havana</td></tr>
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The young activists enjoyed a prime position at the
extraordinary May Day Rally Celebrations in Havana, where they were just rows
away from Cuban President, Raul Castro, Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro
and all five of the Miami Five – at the first May Day since their release – who
waved onto cheering crowds of nearly 1,000,000 people. Masses of people, as far
back as the eye could see, marched under the banner of ‘<span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Unity in the construction of Socialism</span>’;
celebrating the achievements of the Cuban Revolution.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkOyws1qHXThyphenhyphengmA1_lSsfSQX1m8RQ1chklRQMfyt_E8imBvoZUTa-KSTnOBuwrlwHS-OvUtbKqGlnV1Z7LejTlcBlcbf5PO345uczxdqA6Qrs8Hf0l6AMfVF6Y0dgCKTU-wGRJY8I74H/s1600/DSC00186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkOyws1qHXThyphenhyphengmA1_lSsfSQX1m8RQ1chklRQMfyt_E8imBvoZUTa-KSTnOBuwrlwHS-OvUtbKqGlnV1Z7LejTlcBlcbf5PO345uczxdqA6Qrs8Hf0l6AMfVF6Y0dgCKTU-wGRJY8I74H/s320/DSC00186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Turner, Unite Assistant General Secretary and Tony Woodhouse, <br />
Chair, Unite EC with Unite young members on the brigade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The heavy rain, unprecedented on May Day, did not dampen the
spirits of the delegation of young activists, who danced to the samba band in
the rain and enjoyed contributing to the carnival atmosphere at Plaza de
Revolucion (Revolution Square), where the huge images of revolutionary heroes
Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos looked over the immense crowd of
people.</div>
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On May 2 the brigadistas attended the <span style="background: white;">International
Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba<span class="apple-converted-space"> conference
at the Conventions Palace in Havana. </span></span>As international guests of
the <span class="apple-style-span">Confederación de Trabajadores de Cuba
(CTC/Cuban TUC equivalent), </span>the brigade gained valuable insight
into Cuban trade unionism and their crucial role in the government and economic
management of the country.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fty2TdJDQKUax6ET9-rUdooaNRoGSXmwWy0vVapdYyBpOJZhPzQVYCmCqq2yV_fOonBY3xtflOF5NDBrs17kefaxiPOzw8i05ix5Ygo4KBY5AXBo7xNto0ZAk3Sn9jzLXfvkIHKCpiJy/s1600/11187205_836053956468955_2160447586170210118_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fty2TdJDQKUax6ET9-rUdooaNRoGSXmwWy0vVapdYyBpOJZhPzQVYCmCqq2yV_fOonBY3xtflOF5NDBrs17kefaxiPOzw8i05ix5Ygo4KBY5AXBo7xNto0ZAk3Sn9jzLXfvkIHKCpiJy/s320/11187205_836053956468955_2160447586170210118_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe McGurk, Unite Scotland, delivers the delegation's speech</td></tr>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">The Conference included distinguished
guests Cuban Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canal, CTC General Secretary, Ulises
Guilarte and all of the Miami Five heroes; Gerardo Hernández, René González,
Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando González.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">Joe McGurk, from Unite Scotland, delivered
an excellent speech on behalf of the delegation to over 2,000 delegates and
broadcast on Cuban television, in a speech which sent solidarity to the people
of Cuba, called for an end to the US blockade and called on the British
government to issue visas for the Miami Five, which received a huge round of
applause from the conference.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local primary school visit in Playa Giron</td></tr>
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The brigadistas had many visits included in the programme;
visits to a local primary school, the Museum of the Revolution in Havana, meeting
with local artists, a local CDR (Committees for the Defence of the Revolution)
and a survivor from the 1961 US-organised invasion at Bay of Pigs, who read an
emotional poem to give an insight into her experience of the invasion. </div>
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In Santa Clara, the group visited the armoured train - the
scene of the Battle of Santa Clara, where Che Guevara’s battalion attacked a
train carrying weapons for the US-backed dictator Batista - a key moment in the
Cuban Revolution. Following this visit the group paid their respects to the nearby
Che Guevara Memorial and each lay a flower in his memory.</div>
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The brigade offered experiences far beyond that of an
average tourist in Cuba, including attending conferences with the CTC and meetings
with the leaders of political and mass organisations, such as the Federation of
Cuban Women (FMC) and the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR) alongside
many opportunities for interactions with Cubans throughout the programme.</div>
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In addition to the brigade programme, there was time for fun
and relaxation – with lots of music, dancing and entertainment provided by
local artists in every town the group visited, and a few Havana Club rum
cocktails and Bucanero Cuban beers were enjoyed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transport to the agricultural work</td></tr>
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The brigade provides the opportunity to see Cuba first-hand,
free of capitalist media misrepresentations and to show solidarity with the
Cuban people. Conditions on the camp were basic – at times there were power and
water cuts – and accommodation was in bunk bed dormitories. Brigadistas braved
the Caribbean heat to undertake agricultural work with their Cuban comrades,
transported in the back of open trucks. Such experiences give a brief insight
into life under an illegal and inhumane blockade which denies ordinary people
access to basic resources. </div>
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For over 50 years Cuba the US tried to isolate Cuba, but
ultimately, the US became isolated with its aggressive foreign policy towards
the island. Solidarity with Cuba helped win this battle and now it is needed to
end the blockade.</div>
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Whilst Barack Obama has acknowledged that the blockade has
been a failure, it still remains in place. Any movement towards ending the
blockade is likely to be blocked by the Republican-controlled Congress. Cuba
needs solidarity now more than ever as the US goals of regime change are still
the same - it’s just a change of tactics taking place. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British and Canadian delegations unite in Havana</td></tr>
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Brigadistas ended the trip with fresh passion and enthusiasm
to get more active in their unions and with a commitment to work alongside CSC
to redouble efforts to end the blockade once and for all, campaign for the
illegally occupied Guantanamo Bay area to be returned to Cuba, defend the
achievements of the revolution and defend Cuba’s right to sovereignty and
independence. </div>
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Solidarity helped free the Miami Five. For the people of
Cuba, this ongoing support and solidarity is invaluable as we work together to
end the blockade. Viva Cuba!</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Interested in Cuba? Take Action! </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/1x5OAJ9" target="_blank">Affiliate your trade union branch or region to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/tours/article/2/young-trade-unionistsrsquo-may-day-brigade-2016" target="_blank">Interested in the 2016 young trade unionist brigade or another brigade to Cuba? </a><a href="mailto:campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk" target="_blank">Contact Ollie Hopkins</a>, CSC Campaigns Officer, campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk </b></div>
</div>
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<br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cubasolidaritycampaign/sets/72157652733462192" target="_blank">For more photos, visit the Flickr page</a></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Brigadista's feedback:</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248);">"Such a marvellous experience. For a country that has so
little they really do give a lot and have such a community spirit. A truly
touching experience that will never be forgotten.” </span><b>Ashley Charlton, UNISON North West:</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8;">“I</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8;">had the most amazing experience and
learned so much about Cuba. There really is no better way to get to know a
country then on the ground with the people.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8;">An
experience I will never forget.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">” </span><b>Ruth Parrott, Unite North East, Yorkshire
and Humber</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248);">“My visit to Cuba
was a life changing experience. I realise now that the world is both bigger and
smaller than I ever imagined. I have struck up
solidarity links that will only grow and makes stronger as a united network of
workers.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248);">I am inspired to put more into my own activism by the
undeniable passion the Cubans have for their own politics. I aspire to follow
their example and give as much to the fight as they do everyday. Now I know
that truly un otro mundo es possible. Viva Cuba!”<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> Joni Lewis,
Unite LE/7064E GPM National Publishing and Media Branch</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); color: #666666;">“I feel immensely
privileged and overwhelmed to have enjoyed such an unforgettable experience as
a brigadista in Cuba. I can't imagine a better way to discover this inspiring
country than alongside like minded activists from all over the world. On a
personal and political level it was a thought provoking and paradigm shifting
experience. As a socialist I always believed a better world was possible but in
Cuba you see this up close and can breathe in a completely different
atmosphere. It has changed me as a person, it was completely life affirming and
I now feel committed to redoubling my efforts so that others can learn from the
wonderful example set in”<b> Sarah Rogers,
Unison West Lothian Branch</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248);">"The brigade is truly
an amazing, life changing emotional experience and I couldn't recommend it
enough to any socialist. Although talks have begun with the U.S the blockade is
not over. It is imperative that we keep our support and solidarity to the cause
and to the people of Cuba by joining the CSC and affiliate our branches.
Through this we managed to free 5 innocent men, with enough pressure we can end
the blockade!"</span> <b>Dominic
Bradbury, Unite North West</b></span></blockquote>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-80717560982889183392015-01-22T03:45:00.005-08:002015-01-22T03:46:26.182-08:00The Miami Five discuss their release and return to Cuba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaV5sDIWznS9kjKHPX8_IFwzv9H9CJahgYbE3uuqRHnTtUtPvjGPugwRwJKEuo0IsMrDWVVqhhB8dqV2q0oRFslPTEvNPq1W4LZE4GapLGYary5CQwJisCxr4mAGZLrqf7w0W_M-MNNp2/s1600/f0006571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaV5sDIWznS9kjKHPX8_IFwzv9H9CJahgYbE3uuqRHnTtUtPvjGPugwRwJKEuo0IsMrDWVVqhhB8dqV2q0oRFslPTEvNPq1W4LZE4GapLGYary5CQwJisCxr4mAGZLrqf7w0W_M-MNNp2/s1600/f0006571.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
During the first of a series of interviews with protagonists of Cuban history on the “Roundtable” television program to be aired monthly, the anti-terrorist fighters Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero and Ramón Labañino recalled the moment of their release from U.S. prisons and their return to Cuba.</h4>
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The three Cubans, who returned to their native country on December 17, commented on the details of the transfer, described by Labañino as very discreet and well organized on the part of U.S. authorities and those in Havana.<br />
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Labañino and Guerrero both noted the silence maintained around the news of their return during the transfer from their respective prisons to the medical center from which they left the country, and the urgency of every movement.<br />
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They clarified that they were transferred two days beforehand, while Gerardo was moved the previous week and confined in the hole. Gerardo, Antonio and Ramón, together with Fernando González and René González, were incarcerated in the United States for informing the Cuban authorities of acts of terrorism planned by violent groups based in Florida.<br />
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Fernando and René had returned to Cuba previously after fully completing their prison terms. On this occasion they conceded the space to their recently released brothers in struggle.<br />
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Gerardo: “I want to highlight the attitude of my other four Cuban brothers. They had very little against René, similarly against Fernando, if they had yielded to pressure and bribery they wouldn't have spent even one year in prison.”<br />
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THE ENCOUNTER Antonio Guerrero: “At 5:30 am a nurse arrived and said to me, 'Guerrero, get down, you have to pack, at 6:30 you have to be in the concourse, you understand? You want me to say it in Spanish?' “The doors were closed, they are opened just after 6:00 and I said to my cell mate, 'Get up, I told you I was going before you!' He was to be released on January 20 and I'd said to him a few times that there was a possibility of me going before him.<br />
<br />
“In the department to which they transferred us I began to take note of strange things, starting from the fact that I had not requested any transfer. From there they moved me to the room from which I was to be collected and while I was there they came and said, 'Guerrero, you're going to Bourne!' – the Bourne Medical Center.<br />
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“I continued thinking about the possibility of going somewhere else, but they were already saying that I was going to a prison.<br />
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The lieutenants came, they took me to a very small, executive, airport terminal, the plane came. Everything that was happening was abnormal in relation to other transfers they had made. I had had a similar medical transfer, but not like this one; I even said to the lieutenant who accompanied me from the prison, 'You're going to remember this transfer for the rest of your life.'<br />
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“I arrived after Ramón, about three in the afternoon on Monday the 15th. From there I went to the department, I didn't have Ramón's luck to know that Gerardo had been transferred, I didn’t have that information and when I reached that department there was a nurse, a Puerto Rican working there, and an officer from whom I tried to get some information, and what they said was that there was a unit there for workers, which wasn’t a medical one, and everything indicated that I was assigned to that unit.<br />
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“They took me to a hole cell in another area, he told me to sleep well because he would be coming to get me at 7:00 in the morning! “Before seven, they came to ask me if I was ready, one of the officers who had transferred me came to collect me. We went along a passage, they took the cuffs off me, but we were moving at supersonic speed. ”There were some officers running and those taking me didn’t stop, they led me to a passageway which gave on to the visitors room, the officer stopped in the doorway and said to me, 'Let's go!' and that’s when I saw a person shaking Gerardo's hand, there were quite a few people there, but I couldn’t contain myself and said to him, 'Gerar!' I imagined the same thing had happened to him, but up until that moment I had no idea and he also said he didn’t know what was going on.<br />
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We had that first encounter in Bourne.” Gerardo Hernández: “I left the prison without any advance notice. When they moved me I had been put in the hole in Oklahoma for 11 days. I thought that they also wanted me to refresh the details incase anything had to be corrected by Kcho (a Cuban artist) in the installation. They moved Ramón and me the same day, Monday the 15th, in different conditions.<br />
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“One goes about collecting details in spite of what I always said, 'I'll believe that I'm going to Cuba the day that the airplane lands.' “When I saw Ramón and Tony I said to myself, 'This is different.' Even when it landed we were delayed a while in getting off and the U.S. officials were going up and down the steps and I said to them, 'If this takes off again, I'm going to throw myself out the window.'”<br />
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Ramón Labañino: “In my case it was interesting. You spend 16 years waiting for this moment. A prison officer told me to get ready and collect my things. I was asleep and my first impression was, 'All right, let's see what happens.' “They took me to the place where you change your clothes and from there I went to where they put the chains on. In this lapse of time, while I'm waiting for the other officer to arrive, I could hear them commenting, I've always had a good ear for listening in and that day, much more so, and I heard them saying, 'This is a strange business, we have to get these guys out of here and to the nearest airport.'<br />
<br />
At that point I thought, this is something serious. So then I felt uneasy. “They took me out, cuffed me with the black box and put me in a van with two guards to transfer me to Lexington airport; there they led me onto a small aircraft and took me to Bourne. I knew absolutely nothing and asked, but they didn’t reply. I arrived at Bourne, it was a lightning operation and very calm, and there I heard a guard saying 'Hurry up because the other one's coming behind.' “That night I couldn’t sleep because I began to think that I was in Cuba and I was waiting to see if I would spot the other guys pass by. I spent it the night exercising. Everything was very well coordinated, calculated in millimeters.”<br />
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BEHIND BARS Antonio: “The hole was torture, an unjust punishment. They deprived us of communication, and did certain things to us there; for example, I was taken outside for recreation some mornings when I hadn’t finished breakfast and they would throw out what we had in the cells, and they would search the cell at the slightest opportunity. When we asked permission to go to the legal library, or wanted to change the food or needed to go to the dentist, they would tear up the requests in our face, already entering the range of cruelty. “Something would arrive for us, a letter or whatever, and we would share it. The objective of this close to two years' process was to break us. Apart from our union, we were helped by the strength we gave each other.”<br />
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Gerardo: “It was a very difficult time. Initially, ten of us were arrested. I was the only one who knew the other nine. That says a lot for the attitude of our compañeros. In effect, five people were unable to resist the pressure and decided to cooperate with the authorities against us. The damage was not so great from the operative point of view, because thanks to the compartmentalization they didn’t know that much. They could only use one person to testify against us during the trial. In the end they realized that it was doing them more harm than good.<br />
<br />
“Those first moments were of reaffirmation. We were aware that their intentions were to put on a propaganda show. They knew that we hadn’t done any damage to the country, nor did we have information that could threaten U.S. national security. “I remember some years later an article came out in the Miami Herald with the title, ‘Spy may hold key' which was counting on me betraying Fidel and Raúl on the day we lost our appeals. “There were three officers among us and they were in the group of the Five which remained unbroken.<br />
<br />
The ones who decided to collaborate with the United States did not have that rank. That was the ultimate dream for the prosecution, to have an officer to accuse Cuba. When they didn’t get that, they opted for cruelty. “I want to highlight the attitude of my other four brothers. They had very little against René, or against Fernando, if they had yielded they wouldn’t have spent a year in prison.<br />
<br />
However, they established their stand without any hesitation and from that first moment the Five emerged.”<br />
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Ramón: “The officer who was with me kept repeating, 'I know your story, I know who you are and what you are doing here.' And I would say to him, 'All right, tell me what I'm doing here,' to see what happened. Because in all of this you think maybe they're confused, they think it's drugs or something else. But when I saw all the guys I realized that things were more serious. There comes a moment in one's life when a man has to define himself and know what side he is going to take in history, and it is the moment when he reaffirms himself as a revolutionary.<br />
<br />
And we opted for the correct option, that of being on the side of our people, of our Comandante and the history of the homeland. “Because from the very first moment we realized that it would not only be a personal betrayal, but could have major consequences, including an escalation of another kind, which in its most extreme form could be military. That process could be manipulated against our people.<br />
<br />
“Five or six yielded in the face of so many pretensions and gifts. They moved us to the Miami detention center, on the 13th floor, which is above the hole, which is on the 12th. We were there for around 15 days but all isolated. That was Saturday the 12th and the 14th we were taken down to the court. “It was in the court that the five of us reaffirmed what we were going to be. That September 14, 1998, I realized – and each one of us has a different perception –who was or was not up to the task that the moment demanded. “At that time I didn't know René. For reasons of work there were certain people who we didn't know, but when we went to court we were prepared to die together.”<br />
<br />
THE RETURN Antonio: “The 31st (December), we spent together as a family, an extended family. It's not 16 years, in my case its 24. But when we gave each other friendly hugs and kisses, those 24 years were erased. We have recounted some things but since we've been here, from when I wake up from when I go to bed, what has passed has been left behind in the past, I feel neither rancor nor nostalgia. I don’t know where to fit another little piece of happiness inside of myself. My two sons are marvelous young men. Gabriel is in Panama.<br />
<br />
I had the good luck to spend a few days with him, we slept in the same room and in the same bed, and that gave me great happiness, the same way as I feel with my great-nephews. I am used to getting up early and they do as well and that was my breakfast. At the end of the day, the family, the people, erased those moments of anguish and the joy is constant.”<br />
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Gerardo: “Gema is a pretty and peaceful baby girl. From the beginning I wanted her to be a girl, because boys get very spoiled. In any event, Gema already has her little Industriales shirt, because who's to say that baseball isn’t for girls as well. “One of the most difficult things about being in prison was the frustration of not having children. In these difficult times the only way we found of giving form to our sentiments was through poetry, although neither of us were poets. Thus arose the letter to the child who was to come, which was to be sent to Adriana, but René asked me for it and said that it would be a good idea to publish it in the newspaper as a way of making it known.<br />
<br />
“The news had to be kept very secret. When Cuba gives its word, it fulfills it, and we had given our word to keep the pregnancy and all of the process around it a secret in order not to prejudice the greater objective, which was our freedom.” Ramón: “The emotion doesn’t stop. Since we arrived it has been emotion after emotion, each one greater than the one before. It has been emotional to see my daughters grown up, beautiful, and my slender wife. I am trying by every means to recover my time with them, although for me they will always be little, because to any father his children are always little. “I am an extremely paternal father, the redundancy is worth it. I share every second with them, ask them how they're doing in school, and what happened…<br />
<br />
The first night we were together I woke both of them up at six in the morning and took them to see the sunrise. For me it was the most beautiful moment of my life. “I try to eat everything I can, the Cuban flavor is probably superior to all flavors, it not a problem of chauvinism. Our people have a very special warmth, an emotional nature and embrace. “Although I am the one of the Five to hug others the most, we all embrace each other and love each other. For that reason, I wanted to thank our people once again. This has been an enormous victory which should be enjoyed by international solidarity and the Cuban people. Viva Cuba and Viva humanity!”<br />
<br />
REASONS FOR NOT BREAKING Antonio: “I have tried to explain that in our minds we were never prisoners. Now people are going to say, 'This one has lost it on the Roundtable.' But in our minds we always maintained equanimity and an internal strength based above all on our innocence. If you are doing something bad and you are caught, if you are attached to material things and are locked up, you become afraid. But materially, we lived very austere lives. We were dedicated to a concrete task. I, for example, lived a normal life, and those conditions and the things we had within us, meant that we never felt like prisoners, and much less like giving up. There were hard moments. In the hole area, on the second day, we went down to a little room and I commented to them, 'I have a poem in my mind, even though I haven’t been able to write it.<br />
<br />
“Poetry arrived in us all in some way and we converted it into a weapon of resistance. But, in particular, we had two things: we had the conviction that we would receive constant support for getting out of there, we had our innocence and above all, we were prepared to die there. “We had a photo of Mandela and another one of Che. We had values. We were very clear that if you die for a just cause, you do not die. In tranquility I will say that we did nothing extraordinary, we did what it befell us to do. In reality, they should have arrested the terrorists, but they arrested us and imposed the worst conditions on us in Miami.<br />
<br />
“But we did nothing extraordinary, we did what we had to do. We did it with simplicity. We knew that we had many years to serve. We never felt defeated, we were always optimistic; we knew that we had to struggle on. The struggle was long and that was what brought so much solidarity and that now, young schoolchildren see you and open their arms because you already feel like one of the family. “And, in that way, we passed the days in prison, and when the days got harder and my mom was going there, I said to her, 'Mom, stay calm, if Gerardo had to die in prison, he would do so calmly.' But in the end, we won and that we have to celebrate.”<br />
<br />
Gerardo: Initially Antonio and Ramón had their hopes dashed. In our minds, the only sure thing was that we would have to die in prison, if the government decision was sustained. Obviously, one thinks that won't happen, but what one knows with certainty is that we weren’t in that place by chance. It was not an improvised mission. “The guidebook of this profession says that if you are caught, in no way must you acknowledge who you work for. If they catch you, you’ve had it.<br />
<br />
During the first months that we were in prison there was one fact that made us stay strong. During the Portugal Summit, they gave us the day's newspapers and I began to read the words of our Comandante where – among other things – he affirmed that if it were true that we were working for Cuba, Cuba would never abandon us. That was decisive for us. That day we passed the newspaper from cell to cell and then had our own Roundtable. From then onward, the enemy had no chance with us.”<br />
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Ramón: ”When they arrested us in Miami that was the hardest part, the part you don’t want to think about, I refused to do so. So you begin an internal search, to dream of things. That, and revolutionary idealism, that’s what helps you to win out. Every time I thought about my wife, my daughters, of the hardship for them and for me, of everything that was happening, of not having been able to enjoy Elizabeth's two pregnancies, of not seeing my little girls, and of Cuba, the pain was very intense. So I, for example, took refuge in sports, I became obsessed by them, I am an avid chess supporter, chess absorbed me and I said to myself, 'I have to think of the task, of Gerardo, of the struggle.' “The mind is very treacherous, it takes flight and at night you begin to feel melancholy, and you search for psychological resources which might help you: Cuban music, Silvio Rodríguez, Los Van Van or sports. “Prison helps to find the best or worst in human beings.<br />
<br />
All prisons are hard. There are people who lack the strength to overcome those conditions. We had difficult conditions, principally Gerardo, in the state penitentiary, and at that moment you search within yourself, and even within the history of Cuba. You begin to think of (Antonio) Maceo, Mariana Grajales, of Martí, the sacrifices they made, of an asthmatic Che climbing mountains; you think that they too went through this, you remember our women compañeras who endured torture during the dictatorship, and that like us, they had families, they had people who loved them, who were on their side, and they withstood it.<br />
<br />
“Poetry helped me as well, I write poems, although they are not as good as Tony's, I wrote a lot every day. These are the resources that one seeks. For us five, Gerardo was always the center of everything, and we knew that if he was free, so would we be. That spirit of brotherhood, affection, revolutionary love which united us, was also what gave us strength. “To all, our embrace.”<br />
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Antonio: “The lawyers we were initially given were [state appointed] public defenders. But when they learned about the essence of the case, they came to identify with us, with our families, and to feel admiration.<br />
<br />
It is not usual for a lawyer to have those sentiments for his or her client. We must mention one who never ceased fighting in this battle, our dear and intimate friend Leonard Weinglass, who unfortunately is no longer with us and was unable to enjoy this victory.<br />
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“In my case, the prosecution always tried to find at least one person to testify against me, and never achieved that. That solidarity extended throughout the prison and when I was giving classes the prisoners called me teacher and this atmosphere of admiration on the part of the lawyers, the prison, and all those who knew the nature of the people of Cuba, was a constant for the Five.<br />
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“Today I was asked, 'Didn't you have problems in prison? We spent eight and a half years in penitentiaries. Gerardo spent 12 years there. They were very violent prisons. But we found respect. We had serious arguments many times, but respect prevailed. This is because we were five innocents unjustly incarcerated for a political motive, for the simple interest in punishing Cuba for the issue of relations between the two countries.”<br />
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Gerardo: One cannot talk of the case of the Five without talking about the solidarity movement. Over the years, pride in being Cuban has multiplied, thanks to the display of solidarity of our people. At the same time, many people in the United States have made an enormous sacrifice, even lost their jobs to dedicate their life to our cause. For all of them, our embrace.”<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1xxDDjE" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in The Granma</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-67439511347890442342015-01-18T03:33:00.000-08:002015-01-22T03:33:20.303-08:00Cuban Health Worker in Africa to Fight Ebola Dies of MalariaHAVANA (AP) — A Cuban health worker sent to Sierra Leone as part of a team to help fight Ebola has died of malaria.<br />
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Cuban state television said Reinaldo Villafranca died Sunday in a hospital in Sierra Leone's capital. The 33-year-old Villafranca had a degree in nursing.<br />
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He showed symptoms of an illness on Jan. 17. Tests came up negative for Ebola but positive for malaria. State television said his condition deteriorated on Sunday.<br />
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Villafranca is the second Cuban health worker to die of malaria in West Africa. The first, Jorge Juan Guerra Rodriguez, died last Oct. 26 in Guinea. Dr. Felix Baez fell ill with Ebola in Sierra Leone in November, but recovered.<br />
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In response to a U.N. call, Cuba said it would send 461 health workers to Africa to fight Ebola<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/01/18/world/americas/ap-lt-cuba-ebola.html?_r=0" target="_blank">This AP article was on the New York Times website</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-74292607991469307362014-12-29T03:35:00.000-08:002015-01-22T03:35:23.382-08:00Cuba’s Future? It’s Up To The Cubans<h4>
The US and Britain are not in a position to lecture Cuba on the nature of ‘democracy,’ writes Bernard Regan.</h4>
Following President Barack Obama’s release of Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino and Antonio Guerrero, the remaining three of the Miami Five, to join Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez back in Cuba there has bee much speculation about the future of Cuba-United States relations.<br />
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Obama has claimed that political relations between Cuba and the US are about to enter a “new chapter.”<br />
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It remains to be seen just how much of a new chapter will be written, but what is certain is that the US and its allies will once again be criticising Cuba framed around such topics as “democracy.”<br />
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Let’s be clear. Washington is in no position to lecture anyone about democracy.<br />
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Few, if any, of Cuba’s critics ever pause to ask the question: “What is meant by democracy?”<br />
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After all, there are many forms of democracy and even when countries have had elections, the US has often ignored the outcomes unless they produce governments Washington approves of.<br />
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One only has to look at Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s 2013 victory to see what scant regard the US has for electoral processes.<br />
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On December 12 the US House of Representatives voted to impose sanctions against Venezuela.<br />
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Similarly, in Palestine an internationally observed open electoral process returned a Hamas majority in 2006 which the White House and its Israeli ally refused to accept.<br />
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A blockade was imposed on Gaza which to all intents and purposes is still in place.<br />
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The White House and Wall Street are not interested in democracy — they are interested in achieving their own political and economic agendas.<br />
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When president George W Bush established the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba in 2003, chaired by secretary of state Colin Powell, the May 2004 report made clear that the objective was to achieve a transition “from communism to democracy and free markets.”<br />
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The White House press statement on Cuba issued on Wednesday December 17, coinciding with Obama’s speech, made clear that the change in policy was because the blockade had not worked.<br />
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It emphasised that “options for promoting the growth of entrepreneurship and the private sector in Cuba will be explored.”<br />
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The statement made clear that the expansion of “commercial sales/exports from the United States of certain goods and services … will seek to empower the nascent private sector.”<br />
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It is there for everyone to see that any US funds to Cuba will be to spur on the private sector.<br />
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The big US corporations will be looking to take over the island’s economy.<br />
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We know only too well from our own experience what will then happen to social welfare, the health service and education as a result.<br />
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“Democracy,” in the language of the US administration, is simply a euphemism for “privatisation” and the restoration of unfettered capitalism.<br />
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Anyone who doubts this should look at the contract-grapping exercise by US companies that accompanied the introduction of “democracy” to Iraq.<br />
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Cuba’s achievements in the fields of medicine and education are because of the kind of government it has, not in spite of it.<br />
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When the Soviet Union ended in 1990, the Cuban economy faced a catastrophic collapse, losing 70 per cent of its imports — far more significant than the impact of the 2008 banking crisis in Britain.<br />
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Notwithstanding that, Havana maintained the education and health services. Not a single teacher or medic lost their job. People did not starve to death. What a contrast with Britain today.<br />
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Why were education and health protected in Cuba? Quite simply put, because they are rights, alongside a host of others, which are written into the constitution of the country itself.<br />
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To pass over these gains as though there was no relationship between the nature of the state, governmental forms and economic policies is a mistake.<br />
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Shouldn’t we regard good-quality health and education, protection in employment and decent pensions as essential to any democracy? Shouldn’t they be seen as rights?<br />
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The US understands the relationship between state, governmental forms and political outcomes far better than many.<br />
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That is why Washington wants “regime change” in Havana.<br />
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It recognises that it is the Cuban state which defends these gains.<br />
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Let us then turn to the question of democracy in Cuba. To begin with, one might wonder what model of democracy should the Cubans adopt?<br />
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Perhaps that of their neighbours to the north, where money determines votes and the real competition lies in who gets what for their financial backing of the presidency?<br />
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Or to the mainland to their west, Mexico, where elections in 2006 and 2012 were marred by massive ballot-rigging, 43 students have disappeared and thousands of others have been murdered?<br />
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Or maybe the British system, where a handful of press barons constantly seek to manipulate public opinion to their own advantage?<br />
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What about an unelected second chamber and an unelected head of state? The right of recall of parliamentarians? What about public expressions of opinion like the multimillion demonstration against the Iraq war?<br />
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Which of these examples of “democracy” should Cuba look to?<br />
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And if the answer is “none of the above” then let’s have a serious discussion about how countries should be run, rather than repeat the tired tropes of the press barons we all despise.<br />
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The truth is that there is no “perfect” form of democracy.<br />
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Each and every governmental form has been the product of years of history and is the outcome of social, economic, political and cultural factors.<br />
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Cuba should have the right to decide its own constitution, what changes to make to it and when.<br />
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The parliamentary structure that exists in Cuba is not the same as that in Britain.<br />
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In the pre-revolutionary days before 1959, political parties were the pawns of US mafia gangsters and their Cuban acolytes.<br />
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Corrupt to their core, they were backed by “pistoleros” who enforced the will of the gangsters looking to protect their “assets” in the casinos, brothels and money rackets that abounded.<br />
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Today there are national elections every five years, with candidates nominated by their peers in contested elections. Political parties, including the Communist Party, are not allowed to stand.<br />
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Candidates have to take part in hustings, have their biographical details published, accept that their electors have the right of recall and are paid based on the salary that they earned in employment.<br />
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The composition of the Cuban assembly far more corresponds to the social background, gender and age of its constituents than the British Cabinet or even Parliament, stuffed as it is with bankers, lawyers, ex-military, millionaire private school miseducated individuals.<br />
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Of those elected to the Cuban National Assembly in 2012, 49 per cent were women and 80 per cent were born after the revolution in 1959.<br />
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In Cuba the involvement of the people in decision-making is not restricted to parliamentary elections once every five years, as it is in Britain.<br />
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When the government in Havana proposed wide-ranging changes to the economy in 2008, for example, exhaustive discussions were held in local community organisations, professional bodies, trade unions, women’s organisations, student bodies and workplace meetings.<br />
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These discussions generated 1.3 million proposals, many of which were incorporated into the final decisions.<br />
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What British chancellor has even entered discussions with his own government, let alone the broad mass of people before laying down the Budget in Parliament?<br />
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When were local communities and mass organisations ever consulted on the government’s economic proposals here in Britain?<br />
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Many commentators seem to assume that a complete change in relations between the US and Cuba is imminent.<br />
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They may be right.<br />
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But while Obama has the power to vary aspects of the aggressive policies imposed on Cuba, he will need the backing of Congress to remove the most pernicious structures that underpin the blockade — the Helms-Burton Act and the Torricelli Act.<br />
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It is these two pieces of legislation which are the most oppressive.<br />
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They even forbid third-party countries trading with the island or indeed selling any item to Cuba which contains substantial components originating from the US.<br />
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Obama needs Congressional backing to repeal these two Acts which are the basis of the blockade.<br />
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Florida Senator Marco Rubio complains that Obama’s changes to the status of bilateral relations would be “just another concession to tyranny.”<br />
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Rubio may appear alone but his challenge has been echoed by Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida and a Republican hopeful for the 2016 presidential election.<br />
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More politicians have been lining up to attack the modest proposals from the White House. It is no given that Cuba-US relations have radically changed — we need to wait and see.<br />
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Opposition to any change in US-Cuba relations is of course intimately connected to a recognition of the role that Cuba has played in respect to Latin America.<br />
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What has happened in Venezuela, Bolivia and elsewhere has been made possible as a result of Cuba’s steadfast resistance to prolonged hostility from its neighbour to the north.<br />
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One only has to read and listen to the opinions of Bolivian President Evo Morales, Maduro, late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and others to appreciate this.<br />
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The White House press statement referred to above made clear what the aspirations of the US are: “Today, we are renewing our leadership in the Americas.”<br />
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As Hillary Clinton said in her book Hard Choices, Cuba is the “gatekeeper” of Latin America — re-establishing relations with Cuba is key to the White House regaining its lost legitimacy in the continent.<br />
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On the left we need a debate about the question of democracy — let’s not allow the bile and prejudice of those who fear that Cuba’s example and values of putting people before profits might influence others to cloud what should be a worthwhile discussion.<br />
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The key to a lasting and meaningful change in Cuba-US relations must be based on complete respect for the sovereignty of the other.<br />
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The US has yet to prove it accepts that principle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-c1fa-Cubas-future-Its-up-to-the-Cubans" target="_blank">Bernard Regan is secretary of Cuba Solidarity Campaign. This article is written in a personal capacity. This article was originally published in the Morning Star</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-61090988450371928962014-12-19T03:58:00.000-08:002015-01-22T04:00:25.460-08:00Miami Five are free, now we must end the Blockade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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CSC welcomes the return of Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Gerardo Hernández to Cuba to join Fernando González and René González.<br />
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We celebrate along with their families, the people of Cuba, and the international “Jury of Millions” who have fought successfully for the release of these unjustly imprisoned men. CSC is proud to have played a role in publicising the case and winning widespread support here in Britain for the campaign for freedom and justice.<br />
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We want to thank all those who gave their support and worked tirelessly for this victory, including our members and affiliates, the international coalition Voices for the Five, and the Trade Union movement whose contribution to this struggle has been exemplary.<br />
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Unjustly imprisoned for acting to prevent terrorist attacks launched from Florida against the people of Cuba, the Five were given draconian sentences by the US courts and were locked up for 16 years, with Gerardo facing a double life sentence and the prospect of dying inside prison<br />
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On Wednesday 17 December President Obama said that, “Today America chooses to cut lose the shackles of the past” and that a “new chapter” was being opened that would see changes in US-Cuba relations. “We will end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests.”<br />
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Whilst this will lead to the establishment of diplomatic relations, a general increase in visitors, increased remittance limits and a variety of exchanges it does NOT mean the end of the blockade.<br />
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Some US politicians have already declared their opposition to Obama’s modest amendments. Some are threatening to block the appointment of an Ambassador to Cuba. The Office for Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will still be empowered to fine third country companies that trade with Cuba. And the pillars of the blockade – the Helms-Burton Law and the Torricelli Act can only be repealed by Congress, where Obama has no majority.<br />
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A White House press statement issued on the same day revealed some of the thinking behind the shift in US policies. Fundamentally the statement conceded that the blockade had failed to bring about any of the US desired changes inside Cuba. On the contrary this “Long standing US policy towards Cuba has isolated the United States from regional and international partners.”<br />
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It makes clear that the policy changes are ones of tactics rather than goals – the objective remains the same, to turn Cuba into an economic satellite of United States’ big business and a pawn of Washington.<br />
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Indeed it is clear from the press statement that the intention of some of the changes is precisely to seek the erosion of the social gains that have been made in Cuba looking to restore the means of exploitation that existed under Fulgencio Batista, the dictator overthrown by the Cuban Revolution of 1959.<br />
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At the core of the question of the Cuba-United States relationship must be mutual respect for the sovereignty of the other. As President Raul Castro said on Wednesday, “we must learn the art of coexisting with our differences in a civilised manner.”<br />
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The Cuba Solidarity Campaign commits to redoubling our efforts to ensure that the British Government moves forward to develop strong diplomatic, trade, scientific and cultural relations between our two countries based on mutual respect and understanding.<br />
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We urge anyone who is not already a member, to help us fight to end the blockade once and for all, by joining the Cuba Solidarity Campaign today.<br />
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We celebrate the return of all the Five heroes to their families. We remain vigilant and continue to demand; “Hands off Cuba, End the blockade Now!”<br />
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<a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/departments/gifts/394/csc-membership---individual" target="_blank">Please help us to end the blockade by joining the Cuba Solidarity Campaign here today</a><br />
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<a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/departments/gifts/396/csc-donation" target="_blank">Please make a donation to support our work</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-41033976674067372542014-12-16T02:31:00.000-08:002014-12-16T02:31:14.585-08:00Aleida Guevara: “Revolutions cannot be exported”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aleida Guevara, daughter of Che, assures <i>The Prisma</i> that the communist regime will continue in Cuba, beyond the Castro family. She sees the formation of a United Latin American States as essential, and thinks that at times what we need are more radical revolutions. And to her, anti-immigration policies are absurd.</h4>
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It’s only six thirty in the evening and already night has fallen in London. It’s winter, and at just five degrees the cold chills to the bone. She may hail from a tropical land but Aleida Guevara, daughter of the legendary Argentinian revolutionary Ernesto “Che”Guevara, doesn’t let the cold put her off.<br />
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With a kind face and determined nature, you can easily picture her surrounded by children in her paediatric practice in Havana, but can just as easily imagine her on a podium, chanting a revolutionary slogan: “Hasta la victoria siempre!” (Until victory, forever!).<br />
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As she speaks, her pride in belonging to the Cuban nation shines through. She predicts, without a shadow of doubt, the continuity of the communist regime in Cuba beyond the Castro dynasty. Nor does she doubt the suitability of the island’s economic system. Only one obstacle stands in the country’s way: the US blockade.<br />
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A staunch supporter of the Bolivarian Revolution, she sees the heavy criticism poured on Nicolás Maduro as unjustified, his only sin being to have succeeded the all-powerful and charismatic Hugo Chávez.<br />
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Just as her father was, Guevara is a passionate advocate of revolution.<br />
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But she doesn’t see revolution as something that can be exported: the people must want it, and the people themselves must take it forward.<br />
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Visiting a country which was once the largest empire in history, Aleida sees the attitude of western countries towards immigration as both hypocritical and absurd.<br />
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She has nothing but admiration for different cultures and countries across the world, and thinks that what we need far more than globalisation is, as nations, to learn to understand and respect one another.<br />
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Aleida Guevara was in London as a guest of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and attended the annual vigil held in London in support of the Miami Five, three of whom are still in prisons in the US. Here she speaks exclusively to The Prisma.<br />
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<b>After a seemingly unsuccessful battle, do the Cuban people have any hope left for</b><br />
<b>The Five?</b><br />
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Yes, we’re hopeful. In the last few days something historic has happened: several US publications have spoken out in favour of Cuba. Some of them have mentioned The Five case and the possibility of an exchange for prisoners we have in Cuba, something we are of course prepared to do. We can only hope the US agrees.<br />
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<b>Obama has yet to close Guantánamo and it seems unlikely that he’ll lift the blockade. Could this change in the near future?</b><br />
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This is more problematic. From the start Obama has always said he would close the prison, and our response to him was: “It’s not only a question of closing the prison, president, it’s a question of giving us back our land. For over a hundred years nothing has been signed. According to international law, the treaty died a natural death: in effect you have seized our land”. Even that didn’t get his attention. They are the most powerful nation on the planet and they just don’t listen to other countries.<br />
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<b>Do you think the formation of a United Latin American States is possible?</b><br />
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It’s not only possible, it’s essential. It’s the only way we can face up to the common enemy of all our countries: The USA.<br />
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<b>Can the revolution and the Latin American movement survive beyond its leaders (Correa, Evo, Hugo, Lula…) or is it too bound up in them?</b><br />
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At least in Cuba, there’s no doubt. The level of cultural awareness amongst the Cuban people is extraordinary: the people know what they want. There will of course always be difficulties, but we are capable of getting over them. We can analyse situations, discuss them in depth and come to our own logical conclusions.<br />
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At the moment the people of many Latin American nations still don’t have a strong level of cultural awareness. In other words, they have their ancient cultures, they have that knowledge, but when it comes to being manipulated they’re easy to deceive, and they’re used as easy targets.<br />
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Put simply, they’ve been tricked so many times over the years that it’s hard for them to react against something they’re accustomed to. It’s a difficult situation.<br />
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Take Bolivia for example: twenty years ago statistically Bolivia was one of the poorest countries in the world, and today it’s a totally different country, with its own wealth. It’s its own master! And consequently it can do amazing things for its people. And once you’ve had a taste of that, who can take it away from you? Why are they snatching it away from you? It’s difficult, it really is.<br />
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<b>Do you think the Bolivarian Revolution will continue or decline under Maduro?</b><br />
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The problem with Maduro is that the whole world tries to compare him with Chávez. It’s no good, none of us is the same. Maduro is his own type of leader, it’s a similar scenario to Raúl and Fidel: the leaders share the same ideologies, they have the same principles, but different personalities – they’re different people. We can’t aspire to all people being the same, clones of one another. The great thing is that different men can do the same for their countries. Maduro has a huge number of ways in which he can help his people, he’s shown that in recent years. He just needs support, and to continue the work he’s doing.<br />
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<b>Who have been the losers of the Bolivarian Revolution? Have people had to sacrifice their rights in the process?</b><br />
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In any revolutionary process sacrifices need to be made. I once interviewed Chávez and asked him just that: whether the revolutionary process had damaged a lot of people’s economic interests.<br />
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He told me that in reality, no: the problem is that certain people don’t want to give up anything, even the small things.<br />
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And precisely because they reacted so badly, the revolutionary process had to get more and more radical. But it was because of them, they are the people who provoke such situations: in Venezuela there are plenty of economic opportunities for everyone to live well. What happens is that people have to share, they have to show respect for the poorest people and give them the opportunities they need. And that is simply not what they want to do.<br />
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<b>Could the Bolivarian Revolution be exported to countries outside of Latin America?</b><br />
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Revolutions are not negotiable. Revolutions must surge from the hearts of the people: they’re not something you can export.<br />
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<b>What future awaits Cuba after Raúl Castro? Will the Communist Party stay in power?</b><br />
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Yes of course! The Communist Party in Cuba isn’t in power, the Cuban Communist Party is the only party in Cuba and power is in the hands of the people. The people trust the party – they choose us. They are the ones who decide whether we have the requirements needed to be in the party, or whether we don’t. It’s not a question of you wanting to be a member of the party, it’s the people who say: “Yes, they’re leading the way: that’s why they’re in the party”.<br />
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<b>Would the people of Cuba want radical economic change?</b><br />
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No, never… never. We want to see an end to end the blockade, we need it. If the blockade was lifted there would be an immediate change in Cuba’s economic fortunes: it would blossom overnight. The problem is that for as long as the blockade stays in place we’re constantly having to find alternatives and work out ways to confront the issues we face. We may be wrong about certain things, it’s a human process. But what’s important is correcting your mistakes in good time.<br />
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<b>What do you think about anti-immigration policies in Europe and globally, particularly here in the UK?</b><br />
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I think they’re absurd. Firstly, because unfortunately these very countries colonised millions and millions of people across the world. They planted the dream of a different world in the minds of so many people, selling an image of a land different to their own. So it’s only logical that people from other countries have migrated: they’re in search of a better life.Restrictive laws won’t stop immigration. Only projects geared towards economic and social development in the countries the migrants come from will help these people.<br />
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<b>Would you say we live in a globalised world, without borders, but it’s only for capitalists?</b><br />
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The ‘globalised’ world is doing so much damage in so many ways. It is as though our identities are being erased and it’s awful. People need to know who they are themselves before they can know and understand others: first you need to know who you are. In that sense, trying to scrub other cultures off the face of the earth is so damaging, because we all have something to learn from cultures different to our own.<br />
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There are so many interesting things to learn from indigenous cultures, Arab cultures, Chinese cultures. Why can’t we? Perhaps it wouldn’t suit everyone, of course, and yes, we all have our own culture, but we could learn so much and adapt things to our reality and see how we can improve our own lives. Put simply, it’s about respect. What we need more than globalisation is to learn how to respect one another.<br />
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<b>Do you think a lack of economic interventionism was one of the causes of the recent economic crash?</b><br />
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No, I think it was capitalism itself. It’s the very nature of capitalism: the gap between the haves and the have-nots just gets bigger and bigger. After more than two hundred years of capitalism 80% of the world’s population are still in need. It hasn’t even solved the most basic of our human needs: it doesn’t work, and we must find an alternative solution.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theprisma.co.uk/2014/12/14/aleida-guevara-revolutions-cannot-be-negotiated-or-exported/" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in The Prisma. Photo by Christina Lugo</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-43052804167433842922014-12-15T06:29:00.004-08:002014-12-15T06:29:41.816-08:00US embargo stalled payment to Cuban Ebola doctorsHAVANA (AP) — Cuba had to cover food and lodging expenses for dozens of its doctors fighting Ebola in Sierra Leone after the U.S. embargo delayed payments from the World Health Organization, an official at the U.N. agency said.<br />
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U.S. officials as high as Secretary of State John Kerry have praised the Cuban effort against Ebola. But the longstanding embargo affects virtually all dealings with Cubans, even for banks outside the U.S., because they depend on dollar transfers through U.S. institutions.<br />
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Jose Luis Di Fabio, the health agency's representative for Cuba, told The Associated Press it had to request special licenses from the U.S. Treasury Department to transfer money to the doctors in Africa.<br />
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The licenses were eventually granted and the government-employed doctors only recently received payments dating as far back as October, he said.<br />
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"The fact that they're Cubans greatly limited the funds transfers and the payment," Di Fabio said. "It's not that the WHO didn't want to pay, it's that they weren't able to."<br />
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The U.S. State Department had no immediate comment Friday. Cuban officials in Havana did not respond to requests seeking comment.<br />
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Cuba has sent 256 medical workers to Africa, with 165 in Sierra Leone and the rest in Guinea and Liberia. Cuban doctors generally receive salaries of about $70 a month, with some specialists earning more, but the Cubans in Africa are receiving $250 a day in direct payments from WHO that are meant to cover their food and lodging and provide a margin of extra compensation.<br />
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The embargo issue did not affect the state salaries, which are paid to banks inside Cuba, only the extra payments from WHO.<br />
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Di Fabio said there were relatively minor delays in opening accounts for the doctors in Guinea and Liberia, but those have been resolved.<br />
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In Guinea, where the current Ebola outbreak started, 37 Cuban doctors, nurses and epidemiologists have not yet received two or three weeks of immersion training at an Ebola treatment center working with patients, the last step necessary for them to go to work in the field. There has also been a delay in deploying Cuban doctors in Sierra Leone, with only about 60 of 165 Cubans there in the field, said Dr. Carlos Castro, leader of the Cuban doctors in Guinea.<br />
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Di Fabio said there was a clear need for "better coordination of efforts."<br />
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He said that in Liberia, about 30 Cuban doctors are working closely and efficiently with U.S. doctors in a center built by the U.S. Agency for International Development.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1zVvaLg" target="_blank">This article originally appeared on The Big Story</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-30400676315668226602014-12-09T05:22:00.001-08:002014-12-09T05:22:50.848-08:00Ebola control: the Cuban approach<div class="ja50-ce-para" style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 2em;">
More than 160 Cuban doctors and nurses arrived in Sierra Leone on Oct 2, 2014, to support local teams in controlling the Ebola epidemic. 300 more are being trained in Cuba at present and will be on their way to Liberia and Guinea in the coming weeks. The worldwide response to the Ebola epidemic has been slow and small. More nurses and doctors are certainly needed, not only from Cuba, but also from other countries.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">The Cuban health-care system is capable of responding to international crises quickly. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, more than 1000 health-care professionals were deployed. Cuba has provided free </span><a class="ja50-ce-inter-ref" href="http://medicc.org/ns/documents/MEDICC_Field_Notes_from_Haiti.pdf" style="color: #009fc2; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;" target="_blank">medical training</a><span style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px;"> for Haitians, graduating nearly 1000 doctors, with a further 400 in training at present. The Cuban approach to a crisis is not just a high-profile acute-phase response, but also involves going to where services are most needed, working with local communities, setting up infrastructure, with a long-term view.</span></div>
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Cuban medical education is backed by a rigorous accreditation system, which includes medical schools established in partnership with other Latin American and African countries.<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib1" name="back-bib1" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">1</span></a> The Cuban approach emphasises prevention and social responsibility. Although conventional medical education trains all doctors to a particular level at which they can choose their specialty, primary care being one of these, the Cuban model (curriculum runs for 5 years with a 1 year internship) trains all doctors to become primary care and community practitioners first; further specialisation comes later. This approach is especially relevant in low-income countries where a commitment exists to universal health coverage with few financial and human resources.</div>
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The stated goals of the Cuban medical education system are to scale up physician training to meet the needs of the whole population; recruit and train scientifically prepared and socially committed students; and match competencies, knowledge bases, and the scope of responsibilities to the concrete health needs of people in Cuba and other countries where these future physicians might serve.<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib2" name="back-bib2" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">2</span></a> Moreover, the Cuban approach delivers better health outcomes at lower cost than most health-care systems.<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib3" name="back-bib3" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">3</span></a></div>
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During the past 50 years, the Cuban Medical Cooperation programme has worked in more than 100 countries. In 2013, more than 50 000 Cuban health-care professionals (19 000 of them medical doctors) were present in 66 countries, mostly in rural and remote areas. Since the establishment of the Latin American School of Medicine in 1999, it has trained over 20 000 doctors from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, offering free scholarships to students coming from rural, remote, and low-income families.</div>
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The transferability of the Cuban model of training in Africa is now well established, with medical schools established in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, and Tanzania, and partnerships with existing African universities in 25 countries. To date, these initiatives have graduated over 560 doctors, with a further 5700 in training. The Cuban model might well deliver better value for money in Africa and is redressing the inequity in rural—urban distribution of doctors.</div>
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Worldwide, medical education has not kept pace with health challenges; it is fragmented, outdated, and produces ill-equipped graduates for patient and population needs.<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib4" name="back-bib4" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">4</span></a> The effects on the health-care system are profound: poor teamwork; predominant hospital orientation at the expense of primary care; and weak leadership to improve health-care system performance. A redesign of professional health-care education is necessary.</div>
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In May, 2014, the World Health Assembly called for a <a class="ja50-ce-inter-ref" href="http://www.who.int/workforcealliance/knowledge/resources/strategy_brochure9-20-14.pdf?ua=1" style="color: #009fc2;" target="_blank">Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health</a> in response to slow progress in expansion of the workforce since the <a class="ja50-ce-inter-ref" href="http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2006/9241563176_eng.pdf" style="color: #009fc2;" target="_blank">World Health Report 2006</a>. Universal health coverage will only be achieved if health-care workforce challenges are addressed,<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib5" name="back-bib5" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">5</span></a> and yet, examples of effective action are few. The Cuban model of medical education—supporting the rapid expansion of the health-care workforce in partner countries and responding to worldwide crises, such as Ebola—provides a rich case study to inform the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health.</div>
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In their analysis of the Cuban health-care system, Cooper and colleagues<a class="ja50-ce-cross-ref" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib6" name="back-bib6" style="color: #009fc2;" title=""><span class="ja50-ce-sup" style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 0.8em; vertical-align: 0.3em;">6</span></a> stated that “If the accomplishments of Cuba could be reproduced across a broad range of poor and middle-income countries the health of the world's population would be transformed.” Surely the time has come to put this statement to the test.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62329-1/fulltext#bib1" target="_blank">This article originally appeared on The Lancet</a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">References</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">1 Quintana F, Sarasa NL, Cañizares O, Huguet Y. Assessment of a complementary curricular strategy for training South African physicians in a Cuban medical university. MEDICC Rev 2012; 14: 19-24. PubMed</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">2 Morales Idel R, Fernández JA, Durán F. Cuban medical education: aiming for the six-star doctor. MEDICC Rev 2008; 10: 5-9. PubMed</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">3 Drain PK, Barry M. Fifty years of U.S. embargo: Cuba's health outcomes and lessons. Science 2010; 328: 572-573. CrossRef | PubMed</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">4 Frenk J, Chen L, Bhutta ZA, et al. Health professionals for a new century: transforming education to strengthen health systems in an interdependent world. Lancet 2010; 376: 1923-1958. Full Text | PDF(1696KB) | CrossRef | PubMed</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">5 Vega J. Universal health coverage: the post-2015 development agenda. Lancet 2013; 381: 179-180. Full Text | PDF(560KB) | CrossRef | PubMed</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">6 Cooper RS, Kennelly JF, Orduñez-Garcia P. Health in Cuba. Int J Epidemiol 2006; 35: 817-824. CrossRef | PubMed</span></span></div>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-89097911031084652582014-12-08T08:45:00.001-08:002014-12-08T08:45:39.824-08:00Dr Aleida Guevara speaking at the University of Sheffield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dr Aleida Guevara - paediatrician, medical mission veteran and daughter of Che - speaking at the University of Sheffield to Forge TV as part of her 2014 speaking tour organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. Watch her speak on issues such as education, the NHS, gender equality, ebola, internationalism and more below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b4Fg5OZ1hBY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-49702389995930212312014-12-08T08:19:00.002-08:002014-12-08T09:01:55.050-08:00Dr Aleida Guevara speaking at University of Leicester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dr Aleida Guevara - paediatrician, medical mission veteran and daughter of Che - speaking at the University of Leicester on 1 December 2014 as part of her speaking tour organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.</div>
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<br />Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015552547811214226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-85253055874012381752014-12-07T01:50:00.000-08:002014-12-08T01:52:03.072-08:00Cuban doctor Felix Baez returns home after Ebola treatment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Cuban doctor who recovered from Ebola after receiving experimental treatment in Switzerland has been welcomed back to Havana by relatives and officials.<br />
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Felix Baez was the first of Cuba's contingent of 250 doctors and nurses to have contracted Ebola in West Africa.<br />
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He was met at Havana's Jose Marti airport by his family and Health Minister Roberto Morales.<br />
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He told reporters that he and his colleagues were committed to fighting Ebola and he hoped to return to Africa.<br />
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"I will return there to finish what I started," he said.<br />
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Dr Baez fell ill in Sierra Leone and was taken to Geneva a few days later, on 20 November.<br />
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At a Swiss hospital he was treated with a precursor Ebola drug, ZMapp and also given an untested Japanese flu drug.<br />
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The hospital says Dr Baez has made a full recovery.<br />
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Medical diplomacy<br />
The Cuban contingent of medical workers is the largest sent by any country in the fight against the epidemic.<br />
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More than 5,000 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak - almost all of them in West Africa.<br />
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The contribution has won the Caribbean island international praise.<br />
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It has also focused attention on Cuba's programme of medical diplomacy.<br />
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The scheme frequently deploys teams of doctors and nurses, in some cases to provide humanitarian relief, other times in exchange for cash or goods, says the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher in Havana.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-30364718" target="_blank">This article originally appeared on BBC News</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-40269515181099470922014-12-05T05:09:00.000-08:002014-12-05T05:09:54.888-08:00Cuba’s extraordinary global medical record shames the US blockade<h4>
From Ebola to earthquakes, Havana’s doctors have saved millions. Obama must lift this embargo</h4>
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Four months into the internationally declared Ebola emergency that has devastated west Africa, Cuba leads the world in direct medical support to fight the epidemic. The US and Britain have sent thousands of troops and, along with other countries, promised aid – most of which has yet to materialise. But, as the World Health Organisation has insisted, what’s most urgently needed are health workers. The Caribbean island, with a population of just 11m and official per capita income of $6,000 (£3,824), answered that call before it was made. It was first on the Ebola frontline and has sent the largest contingent of doctors and nurses – 256 are already in the field, with another 200 volunteers on their way.<br />
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While western media interest has faded with the receding threat of global infection, hundreds of British health service workers have volunteered to join them. The first 30 arrived in Sierra Leone last week, while troops have been building clinics. But the Cuban doctors have been on the ground in force since October and are there for the long haul.<br />
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The need could not be greater. More than 6,000 people have already died. So shaming has the Cuban operation been that British and US politicians have felt obliged to offer congratulations. John Kerry described the contribution of the state the US has been trying to overthrow for half a century “impressive”. The first Cuban doctor to contract Ebola has been treated by British medics, and US officials promised they would “collaborate” with Cuba to fight Ebola.<br />
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But it’s not the first time that Cuba has provided the lion’s share of medical relief following a humanitarian disaster. Four years ago, after the devastating earthquake in impoverished Haiti, Cuba sent the largest medical contingent and cared for 40% of the victims. In the aftermath of the Kashmir earthquake of 2005, Cuba sent 2,400 medical workers to Pakistan and treated more than 70% of those affected; they also left behind 32 field hospitals and donated a thousand medical scholarships.<br />
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That tradition of emergency relief goes back to the first years of the Cuban revolution. But it is only one part of an extraordinary and mushrooming global medical internationalism. There are now 50,000 Cuban doctors and nurses working in 60 developing countries. As Canadian professor John Kirk puts it: “Cuban medical internationalism has saved millions of lives.” But this unparalleled solidarity has barely registered in the western media.<br />
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Cuban doctors have carried out 3m free eye operations in 33 countries, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean, and largely funded by revolutionary Venezuela. That’s how Mario Teran, the Bolivian sergeant who killed Che Guevara on CIA orders in 1967, had his sight restored 40 years later by Cuban doctors in an operation paid for by Venezuela in the radical Bolivia of Evo Morales. While emergency support has often been funded by Cuba itself, the country’s global medical services are usually paid for by recipient governments and have now become by far Cuba’s largest export, linking revolutionary ideals with economic development. That has depended in turn on the central role of public health and education in Cuba, as Havana has built a low-cost biotech industry along with medical infrastructure and literacy programmes in the developing countries it serves – rather than sucking out doctors and nurses on the western model.<br />
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Internationalism was built into Cuba’s DNA. As Guevara’s daughter, Aleida, herself a doctor who served in Africa, says: “We are Afro-Latin Americans and we’ll take our solidarity to the children of that continent.” But what began as an attempt to spread the Cuban revolution in the 60s and became the decisive military intervention in support of Angola against apartheid in the 80s, has now morphed into the world’s most ambitious medical solidarity project.<br />
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Its success has depended on the progressive tide that has swept Latin America over the past decade, inspired by socialist Cuba’s example during the years of rightwing military dictatorships. Leftwing and centre-left governments continue to be elected and re-elected across the region, allowing Cuba to reinvent itself as a beacon of international humanitarianism.<br />
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But the island is still suffocated by the US trade embargo that has kept it in an economic and political vice for more than half a century. If Barack Obama wants to do something worthwhile in his final years as president he could use Cuba’s role in the Ebola crisis as an opening to start to lift that blockade and wind down the US destabilisation war.<br />
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There are certainly straws in the wind. In what looked like an outriding operation for the administration, the New York Times published six editorials over five weeks in October and November praising Cuba’s global medical record, demanding an end to the embargo, attacking US efforts to induce Cuban doctors to defect, and calling for a negotiated exchange of prisoners.<br />
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The paper’s campaign ran as the UN general assembly voted for the 23rd time, by 188 votes to 2 (US and Israel), to demand the lifting of the US blockade, originally imposed in retaliation for the nationalisation of American businesses and now justified on human rights grounds – by a state allied to some of the most repressive regimes in the world.<br />
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The embargo can only be scrapped by congress, still stymied by the heirs of the corrupt US-backed dictatorship which Fidel Castro and Guevara overthrew. But the US president has executive scope to loosen it substantially and restore diplomatic ties. He could start by releasing the remaining three “Miami Five” Cuban intelligence agents jailed 13 years ago for spying on anti-Cuba activist groups linked to terrorism.<br />
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The obvious moment for Obama to call time on the 50-year US campaign against Cuban independence would be at next April’s Summit of the Americas – which Latin American governments had threatened to boycott unless Cuba was invited. The greatest contribution those genuinely concerned about democratic freedoms in Cuba can make is to get the US off the country’s back.<br />
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If the blockade really were to be dismantled, it would not only be a vindication of Cuba’s remarkable record of social justice at home and solidarity abroad, backed by the growing confidence of an independent Latin America. It would also be a boon for millions around the world who would benefit from a Cuba unshackled – and a demonstration of what can be achieved when people are put before corporate profit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/cuba-global-medical-record-shames-us-blockade-ebola" target="_blank">This article by Seumas Milne originally appeared in the Guardian</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/cuba-global-medical-record-shames-us-blockade-ebola" target="_blank">The illustration is by Eva Bee</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-11201164593648332232014-12-05T03:41:00.000-08:002014-12-17T03:43:01.177-08:00The Greatest Story never told with Aleida Guevara March<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Dr Aleida Guevara March was invited to our Students’ Union to address the student body and other guests about the Ebola crisis and Cuba’s position on the international stage. She gave an informative and captivating speech which provided insight into Cuban internationalism and much more than just Cuba’s role in combatting Ebola. Matthew Wilde and Polly Winn were able to interview Guevara March, and learn more about her perspective on Cuba, international healthcare, and the power of the media.</strong></div>
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Recently the Ebola crisis in West Africa has created a media storm and dominated press, even motivating good ol’ Bob Geldof to step in with a brand new rendition of ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’ for the sole purpose of helping people suffering with Ebola. Yet the prevailing picture of Ebola and the response to it that is portrayed in the media is predominantly from a USA perspective.</div>
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Dr. Aleida Guevara March, daughter of famous revolutionary Che Guevara, was invited by the “Comrades of the Cuban Solidarity campaign” to Sheffield, and then to talk at our Students’ Union. In her talk she painted a different picture, not just of Ebola, but of the international relations surrounding global response to health. Cuba’s influence in the Ebola Crisis and in other health crises is seemingly under told in international media.</div>
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When Guevara March told Features that the World Health Organisation (WHO) directly asked for the help of Cuban authorities to work towards resolving the Ebola crisis, it came as a slight surprise. We fully acknowledge – disclaimer alert – that this was completely down to our naive ignorance of Cuba and its prevalence in international health. Perhaps if we’d taken Steve Ludlam’s POL3021: Cuba in the Post-Bipolar Age, we may have been slightly better informed! However, the talk was enlightening and broad, and Guevara March has a gift of storytelling, even with the barrier of an interpreter.</div>
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Features asked Guevara March whether she felt that the WHO’s decision to approach Cuba and their recognition of Cuba’s medical efforts would impact their position on the world stage, she responded; “No, because what we are doing now we have been doing it for a long time. Now it’s just that they’ve come to us to specifically ask for this. But a few months ago they asked for Cuban doctors to go to Brazil, and there are nearly 1400 in Brazil, so we have been doing this for a long time.”</div>
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In the UK press the story of Cuba’s influence is rarely told, it is only from the point of view of the USA. Guevara March commented on this saying; “This is a problem of UK journalists. Unfortunately, a lot of the time they just parrot what is said in the US press. It is not just the UK but Europe in general. They need to respect themselves as professionals, they need to investigate the information, not just replicate it.” Being given journalistic advice by Guevara March certainly was a story to write home about and gave Features food for thought.<br />The history of Cuba and the USA is one of conflict and tension;the Bay of Pigs and Guantanamo Bay are examples of this. Given this we asked Guevara March how it would be for Cuban health workers working alongside Americans to fight Ebola. She gave us a clear and definitive answer: “There’s no problem. We get on well with the American people. The problem is not with them. The problem is with their government.”</div>
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The Cuban Embargo – or as Guevara March said the Cubans call it the “blockade” – makes life more than difficult for Cubans. Guevara March told us of how Cuba have to pay three or four times the market price for goods (including baby milk formula) because the blockade limits their options to access global free trade. Boats that harbour in Cuba cannot travel into the USA for six months after, meaning that the transportation and purchasing of vital drugs can be extremely complicated and take a long time. Guevara March mentioned how sometimes there are loopholes through which Cuba can trade, but if these companies are found out they can be fined just for trading with Cuba. This has detrimental effects on the Cuban economy, and Guevara March suggested that if the blockade were to be lifted, the Cuban economy would flourish immediately.</div>
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But these policies are not isolated to just Cuba. Cuba has been developing new drugs and vaccines and they continue to do so, but due to the embargo put in place by the USA, they are unable to sell them around the world. This means that the rest of the world could be missing out on life saving treatments. Guevara March even suggested that Cuba had been developing cures for forms of cancer.</div>
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Features wanted to know more on what Guevara March thought about the USA and the media. She pointed out that the “United States is the country which consumes the most oil in the world” and draws attention to conflict between the USA and Venezuela; “There is [an] extraordinary campaign against Venezuela, why?” Guevara March explains that it is “because the United States used to buy a barrel of oil from Venezuela for between five and seven dollars, and now they have to pay the market price.”</div>
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She highlights how ”for the first time, the people of Venezuela are the owners of what they produce. They can use their money for free hospitals, free universities, decent housing, and making work for their people, and this really doesn’t suit the United States” it is “economically affected” by the fact it has to pay the market price for oil. Guevara March stated that the USA “can’t accept that” and as a result, the USA has made efforts to “[turn] round international opinion.”</div>
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It was obvious that Guevara March had a strong message she wanted to tell; about global health, economies, politics but perhaps most importantly about international cultural respect. Guevara March told Features that she was once asked her opinion of Saddam Hussein, when she gave a relatively apathetic answer, the woman confidently claimed that Saddam Hussein was a “tyrant”.</div>
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Guevara March responded: “Well, I am not going to argue with you about whether he was or wasn’t a tyrant. I don’t have sufficient information, I didn’t live in that reality, I can’t judge something I haven’t lived.”</div>
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Guevara March expanded this story to encompass her experiences of her time in Iran; “it was a huge sacrifice for me because from the moment I arrived I was forced to cover my head and I didn’t understand why, because that’s not my culture. And I said it to them, you have to respect all cultures, you can’t say that your cultures better or the only one in the world, I came because of respect of a people who that are brave, but you haven’t respected me, that’s a problem you are going to have to resolve in the coming years.”</div>
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Through these stories, Guevara March relayed a strong and significant message: “one thing I can say is no country in the world has any right to go and intervene in internal affairs of another country. You have to respect countries, you have to respect cultures.” Going on to say: “If you demand respect, you have to respect other people as well, and this is a basic question so that we can understand each other as human beings.”</div>
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Dr. Aleida Guevara March’s talk and the interview that followed was to say the least, inspiring. She spoke with impassioned messages of respect and solidarity. What we thought would be a talk about Cuba’s role in the Ebola crisis became so much more than that, and Guevara March’s readiness to answer our questions, and her gift for storytelling made it an eye-opening experience.<br />If you’d like to hear more about the talk, or more about Dr. Aleida Guevara March and her message check out News on Page 4, or go online and watch Forge TV’s interview <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ForgeTelevision" style="color: #0088cc; text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://forgetoday.com/features/the-greatest-story-never-told-with-aleida-guevara-march/" target="_blank">This article by Matthew Wilde and Polly Winn is from The Forge Press, Sheffield Student's Union Newspaper</a></div>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-83439422725897635322014-12-04T07:25:00.000-08:002014-12-10T07:26:17.599-08:00Hundreds make their voices heard in solidarity with the Miami Five<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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Chanting of “Free the Five!”, “Viva Cuba” and “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” were heard across West End of London after a crowd of over 300 people braved a cold December evening outside the US Embassy on Wednesday 3 December to attend a vigil organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) in Britain.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Solidarity greetings and messages of support for the Miami Five were given by a range of speakers including Dr Aleida Guevara, paediatrician, medical mission veteran and daughter of Che Guevara, and MPs, trade unionists, lawyers, actors and activists at an event which marked the sixteenth year of their arrest.<br /><br />Aledia Guevara, giving her final speech in her British speaking tour, read a heartfelt message from Antonio Guerrero, one of the Five, who thanked for the solidarity and support from friends in Britain: “Dear friends of the UK, never did the five of us imagine that we’d have so many friends in the UK, from where we’ve received thousands of letters of support. Without knowing you personally, we’ve learned a lot about your lives and become united and strengthened in our fight for justice… We will win.”<br /><br />Guevara laid out the of the case to President Obama; “You’ve got men in your prisons that are there because they were trying to save the lives of other human beings” and finished her speech by urging Obama; “Have the courage to do something well, before you finish your term as President. Release them now!”<br /><br />Unite the Union, the largest trade union in Britain, have been instrumental in the campaign to free the Five. Diana Holland, Assistant General Secretary of Unite and Chair of CSC, praised the work of the International Inquiry on the Case of the Five, and urged to continue with the pressure the achieve justice. “We have the opportunity to gain freedom for the final three of the five right now - we must fight for justice.”<br /><br />Roger McKenzie, Assistant General Secretary of the public sector union Unison who have also given great support to the campaign for the Five, gave a passionate speech condemning the United States’ domestic affairs, including the treatment of their black population in recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, whilst at the same time “having the cheek to continue to try and interfere with Cuba”. On the case of the Five, he argued; “This is about justice, equality and bringing progressive politics into the frame. We all must support Cuba and their campaign for justice for the Five”.<br /><br />CSC Director Rob Miller criticised the British government for its part in the ‘special relationship’ between Britain and the US, which saw Britain deny Rene Gonzalez a visa on two occasions in 2014, despite being invited to give evidence at the International Commission and being invited by 29 MPs. “The French government, the German government, the Belgian government, the Portuguese government all allowed Rene Gonzalez in – but our government, as part of their ‘special relationship’ – refused Rene entry, in support of the US position against Cuba.”<br /><br />MPs at the event included Jeremy Corbyn MP, who passionately addressed the crowd and the Embassy; “My message to this building over here: release the Five before you move to Battersea – or we’re going to go with you!”, in reference to the US Embassy’s forthcoming relocation from Grosvenor Square.<br /><br />Paul Maskey MP, of Sinn Fein, spoke of the parallels between Ireland and Cuba, who have both faced interference from their neighbours. Maskey also stressed the importance of supporting CSC and the case to free the Five. “We know from our own peace process that international pressure can make a difference and the world a better place.”<br /><br />Other speakers at the vigil included Elizabeth Woodcraft, barrister and one of the Coordinators of the International Inquiry, Rodney Bickerstaffe, former General Secretary of Unison, Chris Baugh, Assistant General Secretary PCS, Manuel Cortes, General Secretary of TSSA, Paul Novak, Assistant General Secretary of the TUC, Eric Roberts, Unison London, Father Geoff Bottoms, and Miriam Palacious, who all gave rousing speeches in support of justice for the Five.<br /><br />Speakers from the legal professions included Steve Cottingham, from OH Parsons Solicitors, who has scrutinised the case of the Five over many years, explained how the battle is a political one, rather than a legal. “It all boils down to this - they’ve spent a long, long time in prison – around a quarter of their lives – this is too long and they need to be released now.”<br /><br />Doug Christie, from Thompsons Solicitors, gave a passionate speech, standing metres away from a statue of Ronald Reagan, paraphrased the ex US President in reference to what Obama can do for the Five: “Three of the Five remain in prison. We say, Mr Obama, tear down these prison walls! Declare a pardon now!”<br /><br />Christine Blower, General Secretary of National Union of Teachers (NUT), spoke of how Cuba is a beacon for the world in its achievements in education and health, and how the NUT have offered practical solidarity with Cuba in teaching English to Cuban doctors – skills, she suggested, that they may be putting to use in West Africa as they treat ebola patients. On the Five, Blower said “NUT will support the Miami Five for as long as it takes. Let’s build the campaign and pressure so that we won’t be here next month, or next year, let’s get justice now!”<br /><br />Peter Pinkey, President of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, gave an emotional speech saluting the late Bob Crow, who was a huge friend and supporter of Cuba. Pinkey spoke of the progressive politics of Latin America, which Cuba has been at the centre of, with governments in Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia amongst many, taking inspiration from Cuba’s commitment to putting people before profit.<br /><br />The actor, Andy de la Tour, paid tribute to the late Roger Lloyd Pack, a strong supporter of Cuba, who he had performed the works of Harold Pinter with in Havana in 2011. He spoke of the topical Cuban internationalist missions, with Cuba leading the fight against ebola, and how three of the Five has served on international missions in Africa before their arrest. Urging everyone to keep fighting for justice, he argued; “None have been released until they have all been released”.<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="http://t.co/hIqfuhGJpl">Slideshow from the Event</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="http://t.co/kTpzPTDPZs">Ruptly Video of the Vigil</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cubasolidaritycampaign/sets/72157649193933418/">Pictures from the Vigil</a></td></tr>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-53495283948030575502014-11-30T07:14:00.000-08:002014-12-10T07:21:34.519-08:00 Aleida Guevara provides inspiration at 10th Latin America Conference<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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The daughter of Che may share his iconic name but she is a Cuban legend in her own right. She spoke about Latin American integration, Cuban internationalism the need for solidarity at four sessions during Latin America 2014 on Saturday 29 November, and her presence helped make it not only the most well-attended in the conference’s ten year history, but also one of the most inspirational.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />Throughout the day more than 500 delegates had the opportunity to hear from 50 speakers taking part in 3 plenaries, 23 workshops, 4 film screenings, 3 book signings and a post conference fiesta, and speak to activists at one of the 15 solidarity campaign and information stalls represented.<br /><br />Dr Aleida Guevara was well qualified to speak at a packed session on Cuban internationalism. She graduated as a doctor whilst on a medical mission in Nicaragua, served in Ecuador and Angola and recently volunteered to go to Africa as part of the Ebola mission.<br /><br />“We Latin Americans could also be called Afro-Latin Americans because our history forms such an important part of our cultural and ethnic roots. That is why it is such an important duty to help the people of Africa”.<br /><br />“When you accept this kind of mission you know where you are going but you don’t know if you are coming back” she said of the brave doctors who volunteer for medical missions abroad. And that doesn’t just apply to those volunteering to treat Ebola in West Africa she said. Citing an example of Cuban health workers who were trapped in a Venezuelan hospital as right-wing anti-government demonstrators threatened to burn it down, she told how a doctor, crying to her family over the phone, in fear of her life, was strengthened by her 15-year daughter who said, “mum, against those people not a single tear”.<br /><br />“The culture of our developing youth understand international solidarity and giving to other people, and I am proud of that” she said. “Cuba has a social conscience and we do not give our excess of what we have, we share what we have with all those in need,” she said to applause.<br /><br />The pride in her voice was evident when she speaks of her father who recognised the importance of Africa for US imperialism as a resource to exploit. That is why everyone must help impede that exploitation both in Africa and Latin America and achieve the continent’s complete liberation, she said. Warming to that theme she talked of Cuba no longer being just an isolated example in the world and consequently there is a new era of Latin American integration underway.<br /><br />She reminded us that her father knew “people who go forward demonstrate with example” and through leadership and inspiration you can push others to go forward as well. “But if we tell everyone else what to do, but we don’t demonstrate these things ourselves why follow us?” she asked. “That’s why we try to convince people of the need to change by our actions and that’s why so many doctors are in so many countries,” Aleida said. “A number of countries have now been re-born in our great continent”. They are also developing real unity by example: “From Rio Bravo to Patagonia, we are one people, one identity.”<br /><br />Since the revolution 325,000 Cuban health workers have volunteered in 158 countries. Today there are 50,731 working in 66 countries including 14,00 in Brazil, 11,000 in Venezuela and 4,048 in Africa. But as Aleida says, the numbers are not important “it’s the results they achieve that matter – bringing down infant mortality – what could be better?<br /><br />Writer Victoria Britain agreed and praised the 15,000 Cubans who have volunteered for the Ebola mission. She described how Cubans always live with the people, often in incredibly difficult and dangerous conditions. They are heroic she said because they do not just go their ‘ex-colonies’ like countries of the West, but to those that are most in need. Already training Ebola medical teams in Bolivia, Mexico and Nicaragua, Cuba recently hosted a conference on Ebola at which doctors from the US participated. How sad and ironic that at the same time they were again voting against Cuba at the UN and still encouraging all those Cuban doctors serving abroad on missions to defect to the US.<br /><br />Journalist Seamus Milne not only thanked Cuba for being the first to respond to Ebola “but also the first in Haiti and Pakistan and anywhere in the world when there is a need.” “Cuba has saved hundreds of thousands of lives….but the story of their remarkable internationalism has barely registered in the western media.” However, this might be changing with the five recent editorials in the New York Times, in as many weeks, he said. These editorial had called for an end to the blockade which “may herald a real breakthrough if it comes to pass.” Describing the Cuban Revolution as “truly exceptional not only in Latin America but the entire world” he echoed a theme supported by nearly all the day’s speakers.<br /><br />Praise also came in the ‘Voices from Latin America’ plenary session from Nicaraguan Vice Minister for International Co-Operation Valdack Jaentschke, who said through all the 35 years of the Sandinista revolution it would not have been possible without the beacon of the Cuban Revolution, and the ethical and moral strength of Cuba and its solidarity. During the 16 years of neo-liberal darkness from 1990 to 2006 he explained, they had no electricity whereas “today we are full of light fuelled by the continents progressive movements”.<br /><br />Rocio Maniero, the new Venezuelan Ambassador, had been in the UK just eight days and she was “so impressed with this show of interest and solidarity, as well as such an opportunity to know and learn.” She said how Venezuela had been under attack ever since Chavez’s first election in 1998 and they still have many problems to face but she promised, “not one penny is going out of the missions and we will continue to prioritise health, education and social progress.”<br /><br />George Galloway MP said “Cuba is the threat of a good example” and whilst it may have been isolated, today it is the future “a glimpse of what could be”. Remembering the late Teophilo Stevenson as a three times heavy weight Olympic boxing champion who turned down a fight with Ali saying “What is one million dollars compared to the love of eight million Cubans?” George drew comparisons with Cuban society and the US where “black kids are gunned down in the street under a black president”. Although not perfect “Cuba is the sprig of white heather in the lapel of the future” he said to applause.<br /><br />Presenting 23 workshops, film shows, solidarity stalls and book launches on a huge variety of topics and countries with over 50 expert speakers, the annual Latin America conference is without question the most important event on the continent in the UK calendar.<br /><br />At one workshop alone more than 60 people heard Dr Steve Ludlam go through the latest economic and workforce changes in Cuba, whilst Dr Tony Kapcia identified and explained the process of negotiations in relation to decision making, mass participation and the building of the Cuban state. Others focussed subjects as diverse as TTIP, Culture and revolution, Bolivia’s recent election, Climate justice, the Miami Five, Ecuador’s citizens’ revolution and volunteering in Central America and Cuba to name just a few.<br /><br />Teresita Vicente the interim Charge ‘d’Affaires at the Cuban Embassy said she found the conference “a beautiful experience as a human being” and was pleased to give a strong message to the US government, namely: “ Free the five. Give Guantanamo back to the Cuban people. End the blockade of Cuba”. Re-iterating the fact that the region is now united and changing for the better, she looked forward to the future and an even bigger response for progressive ideas and social justice.<br /><br />It was left to a homegrown hero of our movement, Jeremy Corbyn MP, to once again close the conference. He praised the speech by Argentinean Ambassador Alicia Castro describing the vulture capital funds attacking her country as “vile people, utterly disgusting and contemptible.”He praised the continent where no nuclear weapons exist, no proliferation takes place and all recently supported the creation of Palestine. He spoke with real pride about a region demonstrating real solidarity with ordinary people.<br /><br />Cuba he noted has been there “for the whole of my lifetime” as a shining example to the continent of what is possible. Much of that example is now on the agenda across Latin America, with ALBA paving the way for real choices – “for the right to go to school, to have a health service, a chance to live in a home and work in a job.”<br /><br />He stressed here are still problems that cannot be ignored. In Mexico, in Colombia, in Guatemala and in Honduras, where just in the last decade 60,000 murders have taken place with impunity.<br /><br />But as Latin America Adelante 2014 showed there is so much to give us real hope and re-iterating the strongly felt theme of the conference Jeremy declared, “we can all learn so much from Latin America’s experience and another world is truly possible.”<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="http://www.allimages.net/latinamerica2014/">View a slide show of photos from the day here</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="https://storify.com/LatinAmerica14/live-blog-latin-america-adelante-conference-2014">Follow the live blog from the day here</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 0.9em;"><a href="http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/events.asp?EventID=443">See Aleida speak in Leicester, Sheffield and London this week</a></td></tr>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-16551680502119746582014-11-29T03:47:00.000-08:002014-12-17T03:47:50.221-08:00‘If The Blockade Was Lifted Today, The Cuban Economy Would Thrive Tomorrow’<h4>
The daughter of Che, Aleida Guevara, in London to address today the Latin America Conference, spoke to Ollie Hopkins about Cuba’s role in the developing world, the US obstacles to its development and the Miami Five anti-terrorists.</h4>
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Like her father before her, Aleida Guevara is a trained doctor with first hand experiences of medical brigades in Angola, Ecuador and Nicaragua. On Cuba’s rapid response to the Ebola crisis, she said: “It is our duty — we are Afro-Latin Americans — and we’ll take our solidarity to the children of that continent for their contribution to our nation.”<br />
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Cuba currently has the largest contingent of foreign health workers volunteering in Ebola treatment centres in Sierra Leone and has recently seen Felix Baez, one of their team, contract the disease.<br />
He is being treated by the World Health Organisation for the disease in Switzerland and is said to be responding well to the treatment.<br />
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Cuba’s swift action in West Africa is part of a longstanding tradition of medical solidarity in times of need.<br />
Often, such as with Ebola in Sierra Leone and the Haiti earthquake, Cuban medical professionals were already on the ground before the disaster struck, helping the poorest communities and crucially, they remain long after the disaster is over to assist in building up medical expertise in the area.<br />
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Cuba is not a wealthy country. Its GDP per person is less than one sixth of Britain’s. Yet it punches far above its weight in its humanitarian response to international disasters.<br />
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Since the revolution, 325,000 Cuban health workers have volunteered in 158 countries. Today there are 50,731 working in 66 countries, including 4,048 in 32 African countries.<br />
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This internationalism has seen it take a lead in Latin America, in the formation of the restoration of vision Operation Miracle, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (Alba), the enourmously successful literacy method Yo, Si Puedo (Yes, I can) and supporting and training the continent’s health workers, teachers and technicians of the future.<br />
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Cuba has been an inspiration over the years for many of the continent’s current progressive leaders and Guevara believes her father would approve of the social progress taking place in the region: “He would be backing all the revolutionary movements, I guess. He was a great revolutionary himself and he would be helping all the men and women who are trying to change their lives … My father always appreciated staunch advocates of a certain ideology who know exactly what they want in life. No matter if he agreed or disagreed with them, he would certainly give a hand to those leaders who are willing to change their peoples’ lives for the better,” she said in a recent interview with Russia Today.<br />
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After another resounding victory at the UN in October where 188 countries, out of the total of 193, voted against the blockade, the US position on Cuba is becoming increasingly untenable in Latin America.<br />
The next Organisation of American States (OAS) meeting in Panama in April 2015 will see Cuba in attendance for the first time despite US protests.<br />
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And the US is also facing growing internal pressure to end the blockade as the recent New York Times editorial — Obama Should End the Embargo on Cuba — attests.<br />
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However, despite international outrage the effects are still affecting the Cuban economy and its people depriving it of essential supplies, including medical equipment and medication.<br />
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The Cuba Solidarity Campaign has purchased vital medical equipment for Guevara to take back to Cuba with her because the blockade makes it impossible for the hospital where she works to obtain it through the usual channels.<br />
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The current cumulative damage to the Cuban economy from the blockade is now estimated at $1.1 trillion over the last half century.<br />
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“If the blockade was lifted today, the Cuban economy would be thriving tomorrow. And if our everyday life improved, if there was affordable housing, then our public transport, diet and entertainment industry would take a turn for the better as well. More things and services would become available to our people. A time of prosperity would begin for our country,” says Guevara.<br />
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Another cause close to her heart is the campaign for freedom for the Miami Five and on Wednesday December 3 she will be speaking alongside MPs, trade unionists, legal experts, artists and activists outside the US embassy in London to urge its government to free the the Five, who have now spent 16 years in prison since their unjust imprisonment.<br />
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On her last visit to Britain, Guevara supported the British trade union movement involvement in the campaign to free the Five and urged more people to get involved with the campaign: “We need to multiply our force. Let’s break the blockade of silence imposed on the truth. As Jose Marti said, bad people triumph when good people sleep.”<br />
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<a href="http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-aa8d-If-the-blockade-was-lifted-today,-the-Cuban-economy-would-thrive-tomorrow#.VJFst9KsXx0" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in the Morning Star</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-43271583312925092072014-11-26T07:34:00.001-08:002014-11-26T07:34:38.759-08:00Cuban Health Workers in Liberia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yky9-bukXi0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This World Health Organisation film looks at the first of the Cuban health workers who arrived in Liberia in October to help fight the Ebola outbreak. The Cuban team consists of nurses, doctors, epidemiologists and intensive care specialists. Having received an initial Ebola training in Cuba, all team members received a second training in Liberia on how to work in an Ebola treatment unit.Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-61561414624471345992014-11-21T05:22:00.000-08:002014-11-26T05:23:19.616-08:00How Ebola Could End the Cuban Embargo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When was last time in recent memory a top US official praised Cuba publicly? And since when has Cuba’s leadership offered to cooperate with Americans?<br />
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It’s rare for politicians from these two countries to stray from the narratives of suspicion and intransigence that have prevented productive collaboration for over half a century. Yet that’s just what has happened in the last few weeks, as Secretary of State John Kerry and US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power spoke favorably of Cuba’s medical intervention in West Africa, and Cuban President Raúl Castro and former president Fidel Castro signaled their willingness to cooperate with US efforts to stem the epidemic.<br />
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As it causes devastation in West Africa and strikes fear in the United States and around the world, Ebola has few upsides. But one of them may be the opportunity to change the nature of US-Cuban relations, for the public good.<br />
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<br />Don’t Squander the Opportunity</h4>
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“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste,” Rahm Emanuel once famously said. “And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.”<br />
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President Barack Obama should heed his former chief of staff’s advice and not squander the opportunity presented by the Ebola crisis. Political leadership in the White House and the Palace of Revolution could transform a fight against a common threat into joint cooperation that would not only promote the national interests of the two countries but also advance human rights—and the right to health is a human right—throughout the developing world.<br />
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Political conditions are ripe for such a turn. Americans strongly support aggressive actions against Ebola and would applaud a president who placed more value on medical cooperation and saving lives than on ideology and resentment.<br />
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In the sixth in a series of editorials spelling out the need for a change in US policy toward Cuba, The New York Times called on Obama to discontinue the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program—which makes it relatively simple for Cuban doctors providing medical services abroad to defect to the United States—because of its hostile nature and its negative impact on the populations receiving Cuban doctors’ support and attention in Africa, Asia and Latin America.<br />
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“It is incongruous for the United States to value the contributions of Cuban doctors who are sent by their government to assist in international crises like the 2010 Haiti earthquake while working to subvert that government by making defection so easy,” the editorial board wrote. The emphasis should be on fostering Cuba’s medical contributions, not stymieing them.<br />
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As Cuba’s international health efforts become more widely known, it’s become increasingly clear how unreasonable it is for Washington to assume that all Cuban presence in the developing world is damaging to US interests. A consistent opening for bilateral cooperation with Cuba by governmental health institutions, the private sector and foundations based in the United States can trigger positive synergies to update US policy toward Havana. It will also send a friendlier signal for economic reform and political liberalization in Cuba.<br />
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<br />The Whole World Has Something to Gain</h4>
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The potential for cooperation between Cuba and the United States goes far beyond preventing and defeating Ebola. New pandemics in the near future could endanger the national security, economy and public health of other countries—killing thousands, preventing travel and trade, and choking the current open liberal order by encouraging xenophobic hysteria. At this dramatic time, the White House needs to think with clarity and creativity.<br />
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As the leading nation in the Western Hemisphere, the United States should propose the creation of a comprehensive continental health cooperation and crisis response strategy at the next Summit of the Americas, which will be held in Panama City in April 2015. As numerous Latin American countries have already asserted, Cuba must be included at the summit.<br />
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Havana has developed extensive medical expertise at home and abroad, with more than 50,000 doctors and health personnel serving in sixty-six countries. Preventive measures, early detection, strict infection controls and natural disaster crisis response coordination are essential parts of the Cuban approach to nipping pandemics in the bud. The lack of some of these components in already-collapsed health systems explains the failures of governance that inflamed the impact of Ebola in West Africa.<br />
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As a senator and presidential candidate, Obama was one of the loudest critics of looking at Cuba through the glasses of the Cold War. As president, it isn’t enough for him to just retune the same embargo policy implemented by his predecessors. He must adjust the official US narrative about post-Fidel Cuba: It is not a threat to the United States but a country in transition to a mixed economy, and a positive force for global health.<br />
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<i>This article is a joint publication of TheNation.com and Foreign Policy In Focus.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/191177/how-ebola-could-end-cuban-embargo" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in The Nation</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-16739305502684978792014-11-19T05:09:00.000-08:002014-11-26T05:10:45.706-08:00First Cuban doctor tests positive for Ebola in Sierra Leone<h4>
A Cuban doctor treating Ebola patients in West Africa is to be flown to Geneva after testing positive for the disease. The diagnosis comes after a seventh Sierra Leonean doctor died of the virus.</h4>
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The doctor, identified by Cuban state media as Felix Baez, is part of the 165-member medical team Cuba sent to Sierra Leone in October to help fight Ebola. He is the first Cuban to contract the deadly virus.</div>
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Baez is undergoing treatment in Africa, and is expected to be transferred to a special unit in Geneva at the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a statement from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health, cited by state media.</div>
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The internal medicine specialist came down with a fever on Sunday and was taken to the capital Freetown, where he was diagnosed with the virus the following day. He has not shown complications, and is being "tended to by a team of British professionals with experience in treating patients who have displayed the disease," the ministry's statement said. Cuban officials did not say how Baez caught the disease or release information about his whereabouts in Sierra Leone.</div>
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Cuba has sent at least 256 medical workers to complete six-month missions in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea - a move that drew praise from the international community. Cuba's doctors and nurses underwent up to three weeks of extensive training, with practice working in protective body suits, before being dispatched to the Ebola-hit region.</div>
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Seventh doctor dies in Sierra Leone</h4>
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News of the Cuban doctor's infection emerged one day after Sierra Leone's Health Ministry confirmed it had lost its seventh doctor to the virus. According to news agency Reuters, more than 120 of the country's health personnel working in treatment centers have contracted the disease, which can only be spread by close contact with bodily fluids.</div>
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Dr. Moses Kargbo died Tuesday at the Hastings Ebola Treatment Center east of Freetown where he had been receiving treatment.</div>
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According to the latest estimates from the WHO, Ebola has killed 5,177 people, mostly in the West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.</div>
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On Monday, US officials reported the death of Dr. Martin Salia, a US resident who contracted Ebola in his native Sierra Leone and was evacuated to the US state of Nebraska for emergency treatment over the weekend.</div>
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Obama: 'stamp out the disease'</h4>
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US President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged Congress to approve his request for $6.2 billion (4.9 billion euros) in emergency spending to combat the spread of Ebola in West Africa and the US.</div>
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Ahead of a meeting with his Ebola response team, Obama said West Africa was "nowhere near out of the woods" in its fight against the virus, adding that it was important to "continue to push forward until we stamp out this disease entirely in that region. Until we do, there are threats of additional outbreaks and, given the nature of international travel, it means that everybody has some measure of risk."<br />
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<a href="http://www.dw.de/first-cuban-doctor-tests-positive-for-ebola-in-sierra-leone/a-18072677" target="_blank">This article originally appeared on DW</a></div>
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Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-15508953158073784852014-11-16T04:23:00.000-08:002014-11-26T04:25:26.558-08:00A Cuban Brain Drain, Courtesy of the U.S.Secretary of State John Kerry and the American ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, have praised the work of Cuban doctors dispatched to treat Ebola patients in West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently sent an official to a regional meeting the Cuban government convened in Havana to coordinate efforts to fight the disease. In Africa, Cuban doctors are working in American-built facilities. The epidemic has had the unexpected effect of injecting common sense into an unnecessarily poisonous relationship.<br />
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And yet, Cuban doctors serving in West Africa today could easily abandon their posts, take a taxi to the nearest American Embassy and apply for a little-known immigration program that has allowed thousands of them to defect. Those who are accepted can be on American soil within weeks, on track to becoming United States citizens.<br />
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There is much to criticize about Washington’s failed policies toward Cuba and the embargo it has imposed on the island for decades. But the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program, which in the last fiscal year enabled 1,278 Cubans to defect while on overseas assignments, a record number, is particularly hard to justify.<br />
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It is incongruous for the United States to value the contributions of Cuban doctors who are sent by their government to assist in international crises like the 2010 Haiti earthquake while working to subvert that government by making defection so easy.<br />
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American immigration policy should give priority to the world’s neediest refugees and persecuted people. It should not be used to exacerbate the brain drain of an adversarial nation at a time when improved relations between the two countries are a worthwhile, realistic goal.<br />
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The program was introduced through executive authority in August 2006, when Emilio González, a hard-line Cuban exile, was at the helm of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Mr. González described the labor of Cuban doctors abroad as “state-sponsored human trafficking.” At the time, the Bush administration was trying to cripple the Cuban government. Easily enabling medical personnel posted abroad to defect represented an opportunity to strike at the core of the island’s primary diplomatic tool, while embarrassing the Castro regime.<br />
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Cuba has been using its medical corps as the nation’s main source of revenue and soft power for many years. The country has one of the highest numbers of doctors per capita in the world and offers medical scholarships to hundreds of disadvantaged international students each year, and some have been from the United States. According to Cuban government figures, more than 440,000 of the island’s 11 million citizens are employed in the health sector.<br />
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Havana gets subsidized oil from Venezuela and money from several other countries in exchange for medical services. This year, according to the state-run newspaper Granma, the government expects to make $8.2 billion from its medical workers overseas. The vast majority, just under 46,000, are posted in Latin America and the Caribbean. A few thousand are in 32 African countries.<br />
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Medical professionals, like most Cubans, earn meager wages. Earlier this year, the government raised the salaries of medical workers. Doctors now earn about $60 per month, while nurses make nearly $40. Overseas postings allow these health care workers to earn significantly more. Doctors in Brazil, for example, are making about $1,200 per month.<br />
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The 256 Cuban medical professionals treating Ebola patients in West Africa are getting daily stipends of roughly $240 from the World Health Organization. José Luis Di Fabio, the head of the W.H.O. in Havana, said he was confident the doctors and nurses dispatched to Africa have gone on their own volition. “It was voluntary,” Mr. Di Fabio, an Uruguayan whose organization has overseen their deployment, said in an interview. “Some backtracked at the last minute and there was no problem.”<br />
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Some doctors who have defected say they felt the overseas tours had an implicit element of coercion and have complained that the government pockets the bulk of the money it gets for their services. But the State Department says in its latest report on human trafficking that reported coercion of Cuban medical personnel does “not appear to reflect a uniform government policy.” Even so, the Cuban government would be wise to compensate medical personnel more generously if their work overseas is to remain the island’s economic bedrock.<br />
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Last year, the Cuban government liberalized its travel policies, allowing most citizens, including dissidents, to leave the country freely. Doctors, who in the past faced stricter travel restrictions than ordinary Cubans, no longer do. Some 20,000 Cubans are allowed to immigrate to the United States yearly. In addition, those who manage to arrive here in rafts or through border crossing points are automatically authorized to stay.<br />
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The Cuban government has long regarded the medical defection program as a symbol of American duplicity. It undermines Cuba’s ability to respond to humanitarian crises and does nothing to make the government in Havana more open or democratic. As long as this incoherent policy is in place, establishing a healthier relationship between the two nations will be harder.<br />
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Many medical professionals, like a growing number of Cubans, will continue to want to move to the United States in search of new opportunities, and they have every right to do so. But inviting them to defect while on overseas tours is going too far.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/17/opinion/a-cuban-brain-drain-courtesy-of-us.html?_r=0" target="_blank">This editorial originally appeared in the New York Times</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494148957789033363.post-45118295275531382792014-11-14T04:02:00.000-08:002014-11-26T04:03:31.689-08:00Cuba's health diplomacy in the age of Ebola<h4>
Amid the worst Ebola outbreak of our time, it has been the small island nation of Cuba that has provided arguably the most impressive policy response.</h4>
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Instead of offering financial assistance to those West African nations most in need, the Cuban government has focused on providing skilled healthcare workers passionate about helping Ebola victims.<br />
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The Cuban response is based on a combination of pre-existing government commitments to the provision of universal healthcare, the establishment of a medical education system emphasizing service to others, and Cuba's efforts to bolster its international reputation.<br />
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Health diplomacy</h4>
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Cuba's government has a long history of providing universal healthcare as a human right, a belief that was enshrined in the 1976 constitution.<br />
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Consequently, it has always been committed to helping other nations in need, extending the government's policy beliefs beyond its borders.<br />
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These efforts were partly inspired by Ernesto Che Guevara, the Argentine-born doctor who fought alongside Fidel Castro during the Cuban revolution.<br />
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Che Guevara repeatedly encouraged doctors to use their medical skills in the service of others.<br />
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Cuba's international reputation</h4>
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<li>Cuba has been run by the Communist Party since the 1959 overthrow of the US-backed regime of Fulgencio Batista</li>
<li>The revolution, led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, still shapes to a large extent how the Cuban government is seen abroad</li>
<li>Left-wing activists praise its ability to withstand pressure from the United States, which has maintained a trade embargo against the island since 1960</li>
<li>According to the World Bank, Cuba has the best education system in Latin America and the Caribbean</li>
<li>2010 WHO figures suggest Cuba's doctor-to-patient ratio was among the top three in the world</li>
<li>Many governments and non-governmental organisations have raised concerns over Cuba's human rights situation, criticising the jailing of government critics</li>
<li>Human Rights Watch says it is "the only country in Latin America that represses virtually all forms of political dissent"</li>
<li>Its Communist Party leadership and its president, Raul Castro, remain in firm control of the country</li>
<li>Its current parliament was elected in 2013, in a poll which saw 612 pre-approved candidates stand unopposed for its 612 seats</li>
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These beliefs were first put into practice during the 1960s, beginning with the provision of medical aid to Chile in response to its May 1960 earthquake.<br />
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In the 1970s and 80s, Cuba offered medical assistance to warn-torn South Africa, Algeria, Zaire, Congo, and Ghana.<br />
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More recently, Cuban doctors travelled to Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami.<br />
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They also treated victims of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and the 2010 quake which devastated much of Haiti.<br />
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Last year, Cuba sent 4,000 doctors to Brazil alone in order to help provide healthcare in remote rural areas.<br />
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Cuban doctor Carlos Alfredo Garcia paints a mural depicting Che Guevara's guerrilla epics on the wall of a medical clinic on 3 October 2007 in La Higuera, Bolivia.<br />
Cuban doctors have helped establish universal healthcare systems in Bolivia and Venezuela<br />
At present, more than 50,000 Cuban medical personnel are working in over 66 countries.<br />
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'To serve'</h4>
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Cuba's medical students have always been taught that it is their duty to serve others.<br />
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A Cuban nurse takes part in a practice drill on 22 September 2014 at a training camp for health workers in Havana due to be sent to fight Ebola<br />
An inscription by Fidel Castro emblazoned on a wall of Cuba's most prestigious medical school, the Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina, sums up this ethos,<br />
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"This will be a battle of solidarity against selfishness," it reads.<br />
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Thus even prior to their arrival in West Africa, Cuba's healthcare workers believed that it was their duty to sacrifice themselves in the service of others, viewing themselves as true public servants, gladly volunteering and risking their lives to fight a virus that they had no experience of working with.<br />
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"We know that we are fighting against something that we don't totally understand … But it is our duty. That's how we've been educated," Leonardo Fernandez, a 63-year-old doctor told Reuters news agency before departing Cuba for Liberia.<br />
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Cuba's geopolitical strategy</h4>
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Cuba has also viewed its involvement in West Africa as an opportunity to bolster its international reputation as a nation capable and committed to helping others.<br />
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And the government's strategy appears to have paid off.<br />
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World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Margaret Chen recently applauded Cuba's efforts, stating that she was "extremely grateful for the generosity of the Cuban government and these health professionals for doing their part to help us contain the worst Ebola outbreak ever known".<br />
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WHO's Director of Epidemiology Sylvia Brian and the United Nation's Ebola chief, David Nabarro, also praised Cuba's quick response.<br />
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Various international humanitarian organisations have also expressed their thanks and support, in turn strengthening Cuba's international reputation.<br />
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Cuba also sees the Ebola outbreak as an opportunity to establish a stronger partnership with the United States.<br />
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Writing in Cuba's state newspaper Granma, Fidel Castro recently stated that he would be glad to work with the US in containing the epidemic, setting aside the two countries' political differences in order to help Ebola-affected countries.<br />
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While the US has not formally agreed to work with Cuba, US Secretary of State John Kerry praised Havana for its efforts in West Africa.<br />
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The US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, echoed his sentiments, saying that she was "very grateful" to Cuba for its response.<br />
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Big lessons</h4>
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Cuba's international reputation has in large part stemmed from its efforts to provide much needed human resources in response to Ebola.<br />
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The island nation has so far provided the largest number of healthcare workers in the fight against Ebola: a total of 256, including doctors, nurses, surgeons and paediatricians, with another 200 expected to arrive shortly.<br />
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While the US has provided 3,000 military troops, none of them provide medical assistance, instead mainly focussing on constructing Ebola Treatment Units.<br />
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Apart from providing treatment, Cuba's medical workers also help to locate Ebola victims and guide them towards clinics.<br />
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By providing constant reassurance of good treatment and care, Cuba's volunteers play a key part in helping Ebola victims overcome their fears of seeking medical treatment.<br />
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This passion for locating, encouraging, and treating patients reflects Cuban health workers' unwavering belief in behaving in a selfless manner, treating patients with warmth, dignity, and respect.<br />
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In this respect, little Cuba provides big lessons for other nations.<br />
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While providing financial support is important, providing quality healthcare workers with a passion for helping others is equally - if not more - important for helping West Africa eradicate Ebola.<br />
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Governments that have been ideologically committed to working closely with patients and ensuring universal access treatment in the past should strive to mimic Cuba's efforts, in turn establishing their reputation as caring, peaceful partners in the global fight against disease.<br />
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<i>Eduardo J Gomez is a senior lecturer in international development and emerging economies in the newly formed King's International Development Institute, King's College London.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-29984688" target="_blank">This article originally appeared on BBC News</a>Cuba Solidarity Campaignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11960049180986638360noreply@blogger.com0