Observing The July 26 Movement: We Congratulate Cuba

Today is July 26, 2020, the 67th anniversary of the beginning of the Cuban revolution, led by late Commandant Fidel Castro. It was on this day in 1953 that Commandant Fidel Castro and other progressive revolutionaries, including Field Marshall Raul Castro waged a fierce battle against the tyrannical dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

The goal of the revolution was defeated followed by the capture and detention of Fidel Castro. Consciously, Commandant Fidel Castro defended his revolutionary action as a just response to the unjust attacks meted on the Cuban people.

From exile in Mexico, Fidel Castro regrouped his fighters; and six years later launched a decisive attack to dismantle the rots of the US backed Batista dictatorship. On 1st January 1959 the Cuban revolution triumphed over the forces of Batista, and a new dawn of total liberation of Cuba was declared.

Today, many countries and leaders of the world have seen at first hand and marveled at the great social, economic, political, environmental and cultural developments Cuba has chalked as a true free, independent and dignified nation since the Cuban revolution of 1959. We pay tribute to Fidel Castro and all the Cuban people for standing up against imperialism and particularly American imperialism, which seeks to demonise, destroy and isolate Cuba from the rest of the world forever.

The US embargo imposed against Cuba in 1962, and other hostile policies have exposed the real face of imperialism. The Trump administration in Washington is waging an economic war against Cuba and other progressive nations of Latin America. We pay tribute to the generosity of the Cuban people for the solidarity they continue to extend to the people of the world.

On this day, and in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity would like to congratulate and honour President Miguel Díaz-Canal and entire people of Cuba on this 67th anniversary of the Cuban July 26 Movement, an action that dedicated itself to help improving the lives of people.

Cuba’s socialist revolution is a role-model, and its socio-economic achievements manifest the Cuban people’s vitality, solidarity and determination to develop their country into a strong nation. We pride that Cuba’s example is one that restores the freedom and dignity of whole people, whole nations and whole regions.

On the African continent, for instance, Cuba is a genius friend.

“The Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Africa. The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom, and justice, unparalleled for its principled and selfless character. From its earliest day, the Cuban revolution has itself been a source of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples … We in Africa are used to being victims of countries wanting to carve up our territory or subvert our sovereignty. It is unparalleled in African history to have another people rise to the defence of one of us. We also know that this was a popular action in Cuba. We are aware that those who fought and died in Angola were only a small proportion of those who volunteered. For the Cuban people internationalism is not merely a word but something that we have seen practiced to the benefit of large sections of humankind,” to borrow the words of the former President of South Africa, late Nelson Mandela.

Cuba’s foreign policy of supporting Africa and the African people for freedom, independence and sovereignty is unmatched. And Cuba’s missions of sending doctors and providing free health care to the poorest countries and people around the world demonstrate the Caribbean nation’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to those who need it most, with no condition attached.

The dawn of the Cuban revolution was meted with heinous, libelous and hostile attacks by succeeding US governments, since 1962. Fidel Castro was the Chief Commander in the forefront of defeating U.S. attempted invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. He led Cuba also through many battles, including U.S. nuclear blackmail during the Cuban missile crisis; and wicked campaign through the difficult periods of the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Above all, Fidel Castro survived 617 US assassination attempts.

The US support for reactionary forces in Latin America and the Caribbean is among the many challenges faced by Cuba. The growing popularity of socialism is important in the international solidarity movement. We believe that Cuba will play the role expected of her in dealing with all of these issues.

This message is incomplete if we fail to re-echo our gratitude and appreciation to the Cuban medical team that are doing a superb job to save lives in the world. Fighting epidemic outbreaks such as Ebola, Covid-19, for instance, is not a soldier’s job. The Cuban medics deserve the award of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize for their selfless role in saving humanity.

One must not ponder as to why Cuba popularity in Africa is accelerating by the passing day. Whenever there is crisis such as epidemics, flooding or mudslide in Africa, Cuba is always the first to surface on the ground, no matter the risk to life. The courage, discipline, honesty, and friendliness of the Henry Reeve Cuban Medical Brigade have many times scored the desired goal of saving lives across Africa. The Brigade has been capable of tackling epidemics, no matter what the challenging situations.

To the great Henry Reeve Cuban Medical Brigade, we thank you so much for great works and contribution in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. We thank you also for helping to save the lives of our vulnerable people in Africa; you are truly an inspiration to people around the world. You are amazing role models. You demonstrated that Cuba stands in defense of the poor and vulnerable communities around the world.

On this historic day, today, we wish to express through our solidarity and best wishes to the Government and people of Cuba as they mark another year of revolutionary consciousness.

We congratulate all Cubans on this important day.

Viva Cuban July 26 Movement! Viva Socialism!!

Sender:

Madam Yeanoh Kamara

International Executive Director

The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS)