Cuba and the hour of revolutionary courage: 400 international friends of Cuba meet

Photos by Revolution Studios

By Ortelio González Martínez, translated from the Spanish

CIEGO DE ÁVILA. – During a meeting of nearly 400 friends of Cuba from over 20 countries, including the United States, spanning five continents, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba's Central Committee and President of the Republic, reaffirmed that the nation will neither yield nor surrender. He emphasized that Cuba will continue with the project that a group of revolutionaries set out to create on January 1, 1959, one of the most significant days for the Homeland.

The president was accompanied by members of the Political Bureau, Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Party's Central Committee; and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs; as well as Emilio Lozada García, head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee; Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP); and Julio Gómez Casanova, First Secretary of the Party in the province of Ciego de Ávila.

González Llort welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of having friends of the island participate in the exchange and the celebration of the 72nd anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba and the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks in Bayamo, Granma Province.

After hearing almost twenty contributions from brigade members, Díaz-Canel described some traits of a Cuba that will never accept defeat and will consistently support its friends.

The meeting was held in the Giraldo Córdova Cardín Hall, where the events of recent years that have hindered the development of the largest Caribbean island were discussed. The focus was on the United States economic blockade, described as more than just a financial and trade conflict, but as a crime and genocide, aiming to force an entire population into submission through starvation.

On July 25, mere hours before the 72nd anniversary of the assaults on both military fortresses, the Ciego de Ávila hall transformed into the vibrant heart of a compelling message: internationalist solidarity, at its core, is also the emblem of the Cuban Revolution.

Speaking to those gathered, the Head of State stated that the current blockade has intensified compared to previous years, continuing its efforts to economically suffocate the Cuban people. It is now characterized by significant media distortion about the island, involving falsehoods and campaigns that misrepresent reality and aim to cause confusion.

He highlighted the symbolic and practical significance of having friends from nearly every part of the world, who are advocating in various forums for the end of the extermination policy known as the blockade. This blockade serves as a warning from imperialism that any country daring to strongly uphold its sovereignty and shape its own future will face consequences for its defiance, as Cuba has experienced for over 60 years.

The president's declaration that "Cuba has developed every strategy to overcome the blockade, even if it is intensified, and for that, we also rely on your solidarity," was met with applause and emotion from everyone.

A symbol that the battle for this undefeated island is global, and that it is supported by many grateful people around the world, could be found in some of the words and sentiments that animated the speeches: "Cuba does not sell out or surrender." "Cuba is my second homeland." "We are grateful for what Cuban doctors have done in my country, Brazil." "I come from Mexico, where hundreds of doctors bring healthcare to my people. That is appreciated."

"I came to Cuba from the United States and left this country with a medical degree." "I came from Ethiopia when I was eight years old and left as a journalist." "The dignity of the Cuban people is a source of admiration around the world."

Expressions originating from the profound emotions of members of the Venceremos brigades and the José Martí Cultural Association, both based in the U.S.; the José Martí brigade from Europe; the Antonio Maceo brigade; members of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO)-Pastors for Peace from the U.S.; Cuban residents in that nation; Friends of Sortu-Basque Country, and the With Love for Cuba initiative by Ethiopian professionals who studied in Cuba.

In the sports hall, Cuban flags were displayed with pride, accompanied by others. Together, they formed a tapestry of international solidarity, a diverse array of nations unified by a shared sentiment: support for Cuba and its Revolution.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC