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Showing posts with label Republic of Cuba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republic of Cuba. Show all posts

Friday, July 24, 2026

FIDELISM Celebrated


A Tribute to Fidel Castro

Happy 100th Birthday in advance, Comandante Fidel Castro Ruz (1926–2016).  Your place in history remains secure



Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum

“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”


FIDELISM- CENTENARIAN 


By Dr. Kevin J. Turnquest-Alcena
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas


“All the glory in the world fits in a kernel of corn.” — Antonio Maceo


As the world approaches the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz on August 13, 2026, humanity is presented with an opportunity to reflect upon the endurance of a man whose stoicism, conviction, and unwavering resolve continue to provoke admiration and debate across continents.


Whether viewed through the prism of history, geopolitics, or social transformation, Fidel Castro remains one of the most consequential figures of the twentieth century.


Congratulations are extended in anticipation of his centenary birthday, while acknowledging that his steadfastness under extraordinary pressure has earned recognition from millions throughout the global community.


Today, more than ever, the Republic of Cuba must remain resolute.


Nations that refuse to surrender their sovereignty often attract those who circle like vultures, waiting for weakness, isolation, or collapse.


Yet Cuba has endured decades of adversity through discipline, sacrifice, and national resilience.


The international community should recognize Cuba’s contributions to medicine, disaster relief, education, scientific advancement, and international solidarity, while seeking constructive engagement that enables the Cuban people to prosper in dignity.


As José Martí wisely declared, “The homeland is humanity.”


That timeless principle reminds us that the welfare of one nation ultimately contributes to the welfare of all.


The legendary Zulu King Shaka kaSenzangakhona is traditionally credited with the maxim: “Never leave an enemy behind, or it will rise again to fly at your throat.”


Though born from military strategy, it also illustrates an enduring truth about vigilance, perseverance, and preparedness in the face of relentless challenges.


Fidelism, an enduring ideological phenomenon, was born nearly a century ago, completely transforming the geopolitics of the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa.


It irrevocably altered Cuba’s trajectory.


Thousands of institutions, schools, hospitals, research centres, and international partnerships emerged from this legacy and continue to symbolize resilience, progress, and visionary leadership.


Fidelism demands reverence, admiration, and a salutation gilded in gold, echoing across time like a clarion call to solidarity.


It represents, to its supporters, more than political doctrine.


It is an expression of fraternity, sacrifice, and international cooperation.


Rooted in a belief that nations should assist one another beyond political boundaries, Fidelism has influenced generations throughout the developing world.


On August 13, 1926, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born in Birán, Cuba.


On November 25, 2016, he departed this world, yet his historical presence remains unmistakable.


As his centenary approaches, many continue to reflect upon the legacy of a leader who inspired admiration, criticism, and passionate debate across the international community.


Voices of Praise and Solidarity


Nelson Mandela observed:


“What other country has such a history of selfless behavior as Cuba has shown for the people of Africa?… What country has ever needed help from Cuba and has not received it?”


José Martí reminded us:


“The homeland is humanity.”


Marcus Garvey declared:


“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”


Martin Luther King Jr. taught:


“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”


Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed:


“The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”


Patrice Lumumba affirmed:


“History will one day have its say.”


Thomas Sankara encouraged Africa to pursue dignity through self-reliance, education, and courage, principles that inspired cooperation with Cuba in the training of students and professionals.


Fidel Castro himself declared:


“A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.”


Culminating Invocation


History demonstrates that powerful nations often become the subject of intense criticism, political rivalry, and competing narratives.


Cuba has experienced this reality for decades.


Nevertheless, its resilience, its educated people, and its enduring contributions to medicine, education, and international humanitarian missions continue to command the respect of many around the world.


We acknowledge Cuba’s assistance in training doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and other professionals across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and beyond.


Cuban medical brigades rendered assistance during global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while scientific institutions advanced biotechnology and vaccine research under exceptionally difficult circumstances.


As Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday approaches, history invites both reflection and thoughtful dialogue about his legacy and Cuba’s place in the modern world.


Whatever one’s political perspective, few can deny the profound influence Cuba has exercised upon global affairs over the past century.


Fidelism, to its adherents, remains more than a political philosophy.


It is a continuing expression of solidarity, resilience, and national determination.


Happy 100th Birthday in advance, Comandante.  Your place in history remains secure.


24 July, 2026


Source / Comment

Friday, May 22, 2026

The Council of State of the Republic of Cuba condemns the infamous accusation against leader of the Cuban Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution

The Cuban People want Peace


Cuban Army General Raúl Castro Ruz

"The General of the Army is Cuba, and Cuba must be respected"



By The National Assembly of People's Power - Cuba


The Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, representing the National Assembly of People's Power, strongly condemns the recent infamous accusation by the United States Department of Justice against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution.

Likewise, it endorses the Declaration of the Revolutionary Government regarding this illegitimate and despicable act, a blatant act of dishonest and political manipulation, which distorts the facts that led to the downing, in February 1996, of two aircraft operated by the terrorist organization Brothers to the Rescue, based in Miami, over Cuban airspace.

The members of this body denounce the fact that the United States government uses legal institutions to orchestrate its genocidal policy against the Cuban Revolution.  In doing so, it disregards the principles of International Law and violates the sovereignty and dignity of our nation.

At the same time, the Council of State categorically repudiates the executive orders issued by the President of the United States and other unilateral coercive measures of the Trump Administration, including the recent mendacious and immoral accusations against high-ranking Cuban state and government officials; these have the perverse aim of intensifying the illegitimate blockade and its policy of suffocation against our heroic people.

The anti-Cuban rhetoric of hatred and aggression from the U.S. executive branch will once again be shattered by the unwavering conviction of Cubans to preserve our independence, certain that the Homeland and its Socialist Revolution will be defended.  Always onward to victory!

Cuba wants peace!

Havana, May 21, 2026.

"Year of the Centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz."


Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Do Not Exclude Cuba from the Summit of the Americas

Cuba denounces U.S. government exclusion of Cuba from preparations for Ninth Summit of the Americas


Excerpts from statement to the press by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla


Summit of the Americas



I am obliged to denounce the fact that the U.S. government has decided to exclude the Republic of Cuba from preparations for the Ninth Summit of the Americas set to take place in Los Angeles, June 8-10; and is currently exerting extreme pressure on numerous governments in the region that have privately and respectfully opposed this exclusion.


The U.S. government is misleading the public and governments of the hemisphere by saying that it has not yet made decisions regarding invitations.


I respectfully urge Secretary of State (Anthony) Blinken to say honestly whether or not Cuba will be invited to the Ninth Summit of the Americas.


A central axis, according to preparations for the event, will be health.  And I must inform our people and international public opinion that there are currently negotiations underway, conducted in an unclear manner, with quite a few neoliberal elements, and many shortcomings, in relation to the real needs of the peoples regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the structural causes of precarious health systems that have led to tragic consequences and caused an extremely high number of deaths in our hemisphere, including the United States of America, and have avoided substantial cooperation and basic financing to address these consequences, and are now negotiating in an opaque manner a so-called Health and Resilience Action Plan for the Americas through the year 2030.


I must note that these negotiations are being held, in an obscure manner, with the exclusion of Cuba and other member states of the Pan American Health Organization, which are participating in these processes, in violation of their own mandates.


Cuba has always, in a modest but altruistic and persistent fashion, provided the possibility for international cooperation in health, which has been recognized worldwide.


There are Latin American vaccines against COVID-19 which are Cuban. The medical brigades that responded to the COVID emergency in the region, in the hemisphere in more than 50 countries on the planet, have been Cuban.


It would be convenient to take into account during this process, and benefit our peoples, Cuban medical presence in confronting natural disasters and epidemics in the past, the provision of tens of thousands of medical scholarships for low-income Latin American, Caribbean and United States youth, the existence of the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Operation Miracle that returned the sight of millions of low-income persons, Cuba's ability to establish cooperation, transfer state-of-the-art technology, provide pharmaceutical products, vaccines and novel treatments, the ability to share advanced protocols and medicines in the field of health…


Another central axis of the Summit, from which Cuba is intended to be excluded, is emigration.  A document with a long title: Letter of Understanding on Migration Management and Protection of Migrants is also being negotiated behind the back of international, US, Latin American and Canadian public opinion.  It is a code that seeks to force Latin American and Caribbean States to repress migration, to absorb the migrants that the United States decides to process outside its territory, which incorporates elements of the racist, xenophobic and plundering U.S. vision of our migrants.  It does not address in any way the real causes of migration, but it does, however, offer palliatives, stimuli, financing and economic incentives to countries that send migrants to the U.S. and are closer to its borders, to attenuate this process.


With Cuba, however, his recipe is the extreme tightening of the blockade, causing deprivation to Cuban families, the application of Undersecretary Mallory's stark memorandum: "depressing wages, causing hunger, despair and the overthrow of the Government," is the American prescription in relation to Cuba…
The exclusion of Cuba from the Ninth Summit of the Americas would constitute a serious historical setback in relation to the two previous editions.  In Panama, in 2015, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz led the delegation from our island which participated on equal footing, and raised his firm, dissenting voice, but always serene, respectful and constructive…


A third axis of the Summit of the Americas is that of democracy and human rights.  In the obscure negotiations taking place today, the intention is to establish the Organization of American States to certify all elections in the region.  This is the same OAS of the coup in Bolivia, and the intention of the United States, historically responsible for coups in our region, and also responsible for the coups in recent decades against progressive governments.


How can a Summit take place, centered on democracy, having excluded, at the arbitrary whim of the host, certain countries of Latin America and the Caribbean?  Can anyone think of something more undemocratic?
The U.S. has no moral authority to set itself up as a model in this matter or to criticize others…


The Ninth Summit of the Americas could still be an opportunity if, in an inclusive manner and on equal terms for all countries, it debated, without exclusions and with sincere commitment, the most pressing problems that affect the continent.


Cuba supports the genuine efforts to promote dialogue, links and cooperation between Our America, the America of Bolivar and Martí, and the United States, between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the United States government…


Cuba, which firmly defends the unity within the diversity of Our America, today expresses our profound gratitude to the peoples and governments that maintain a courageous, dignified, solidary position, demanding of the U.S. government that Cuba not be excluded from the Ninth Summit of the Americas.

Source

Friday, November 23, 2012

Lifting the Cuban embargo


About the US Embargo against Cuba


By Ramesh Sujanani, Jamaica Gleaner Contributor
 
 
 
Sometime ago, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly shared the view that the United States' embargo against Cuba helps the Castros, noting, "It is my personal belief that the Castros do not want to see an end to the embargo, and do not want to see normalisation with the United States."

Clinton said in the same interview that "we're open to changing with them," though the US government maintains its strong position against lifting the embargo.

The fact is that Cuban-Americans, most of whom reside in Miami, had their property and other assets confiscated by Fidel Castro, worth almost US$6 billion.  Should the embargo be lifted, these persons will require compensation for personal assets seized.  Who will make good that claim by the Cuban migrants?  Many are protesting Castro's reasons for becoming the dictator, and are not satisfied Castro will honour his obligations.  These Cuban-Americans have supported Obama's Florida campaign, and it seems that as long as it takes to recover their assets, they will continue to support him.

There are no other considerations, as the effect of battle (Bay of Pigs), and the Cuban Missile Crisis, seemed to have been relinquished.  The Cato Institute in the USA remarked: "The embargo has been a failure by every measure.  It has not changed the course or nature of the Cuban government.  It has not liberated a single Cuban citizen.  In fact, the embargo has made the Cuban people a bit more impoverished, without making them one bit more liberated.  At the same time, it has deprived Americans of their freedom to travel and has cost US farmers and other producers billions of dollars of potential exports."

I might add that it has also affected Jamaica's, and CARICOM's, trade possibilities with Cuba which may have been fruitful.  As it is at this time, we employ Cuban doctors and other medical assistants to improve our skills in medicine, and we have sent patients into Cuba who require ophthalmic operations; it seems their availability of this discipline is greater than ours.

The embargo does place the people in poverty, but as Mrs Clinton said, it indicates that the State prefers to have a docile and ignorant population.

I have heard from various Jamaicans who seem to feel various past governments in Jamaica seem to have a similar intent, though I cannot understand why this would occur in this country.  It seems a well-respected member of the Church, Pope John Paul II, had that on his mind about Cuba.

Some religious leaders oppose the embargo for a variety of reasons, including the humanitarian and economic hardships the embargo imposes on Cubans.  Pope John Paul II called for an end to the embargo during his 1979 pastoral visit to Mexico.  However, during his January 1998 visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II delivered his most powerful attack against President Fidel Castro's government, urging the Roman Catholic Church to take "courageous and prophetic stands in the face of the corruption of political or economic power" and to promote human rights within Cuba.

While also opposing the embargo, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches stated, "We did not understand the depth of the suffering of Christians under communism, and we failed to really cry out under the communist oppression."  The US bishops called for an end to the embargo after Pope Benedict's visit this year.  Cuba has also dubbed as 'theft' the use of frozen Cuban assets to pay for lawsuits filed in the US against the Republic of Cuba.

On Thursday, June 10, 2010, seventy-four of Cuba's dissidents signed a letter to the US Congress in support of a bill that would lift the travel ban for Americans wishing to visit Cuba.  The letter supports a bill introduced on February 23 by Representative Collin Peterson, a Minnesota Democrat, that would bar the president from prohibiting travel to Cuba or blocking transactions required to make such trips.  It also would bar the White House from stopping direct transfers between US and Cuban banks.

The signers stated: "We share the opinion that the isolation of the people of Cuba benefits the most inflexible interests of its government, while any opening serves to inform and empower the Cuban people and helps to further strengthen civil society."

At this time, Americans with family in Cuba are allowed to travel and visit them; they are also allowed to bring in foodstuffs and other necessities.

Ramesh Sujanani is a businessman. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and rsujanani78@gmail.com.

Jamaica Gleaner

November 24, 2012