Event Report: 50 Years of the Cuban Revolution (London, sat 17 Jan)
Patricia O'Muerte | 24.01.2009 12:00 | Globalisation | Workers' Movements
The subjects covered were not just the success and progress Cuba has made in resisting imperialism and building their economy over the last five decades, but also on the links the island has with revolutionary movements throughout Latin America. Over 200 people attended over the whole day – highlighting that not all is lost when it comes to solidarity with a nation that holds human life high on the agenda.
The chair led the introduction with a heartfelt letter from Renẻ Gonzalez, one of the Cuban 5, political prisoners in the US, thanking RATB for their sustained support and pointing out the importance of each person's attendance and support, not just for Cuba, but in the face of the carnage that continues in Palestine.
Rafel Sardinas of the Cuban Embassy carried a strong message in line with Rene's letter. Speaking of a model for socialist living, having seen and felt it work, he carried a message of love for his country and its political ideals but also a realistic message of how those ideals can be taken on board and exercised in today's imperialist United Kingdom.
Williams Suarez from the Venezuelan Embassy spoke compassionately of the struggle socialists face, not just in Cuba but anywhere that there are people with ideals that surpass those of chasing material and excess wealth. It was both uplifting and devastating to consider how the struggle the Cubans face has in common with what the Palestinians are facing. His conclusion was that we should not just sit and bemoan our struggle, not just feel empathy for those in countries under constant political scrutiny, but act upon these feelings.
Neeva Shanti, representing the Revolutionary Communist Group, spoke coherently, engaging the audience with her knowledge and passion for the subject. She set the ball rolling by starting to dissect the baseless stories told countless times in the bourgois press since the Revolution was initiated.
Helen Yaffe spoke of the US blockade of Cuba, which has cost Cuba's economy $92 billion, through cuts in export and import trade. She illustrated the strength of the Cuban people, constantly at the forefront of environmental efficiency, even under the poverty line. In the face of financial vulnerability Cuba has managed to grow economically at a steady rate whilst not compromising human life.
Hannah Caller highlighted where Cuba are going right but also where the United Kingdom is going wrong. Cuban literacy rates have flourished due to class sizes as low as 15 students. Cuba has made a commitment to education and they are keeping it, having never shut down a school. A medical system that cannot be disputed, sending doctors to where they're needed across the globe as well as maintaining a universal free health service in Cuba. Infant mortality is at an all time low, countrywide. The real success of the socialism is here. The revolution has created a system that works, and a system that saves lives.
Patricia O'Muerte
e-mail:
office@ratb.org.uk
Homepage:
http://www.ratb.org.uk
Additions
Video of the event
24.01.2009 20:45
Victoria Siempre
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