Good Morning. Our fraternal greeting from Havana.
We thank UNESCO for this initiative, at a time when collaboration and solidarity must prevail over political differences.
Cuba spares no resources and efforts to confront this pandemic. Guided by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz Canel Bermúdez, the Cuban people are giving an exemplary display of discipline, unity and resistance.
The cruelty of the North American blockade, which prevents us from acquiring medicines, equipment and supplies, will not succeed in breaking the will and creativity of those who in hospitals and other centers and support fronts, day and night, dedicate themselves to the noble mission of caring for the health of the Cubans and restore tranquility to families.
In the first place, of that army of white coats, forged by Fidel, who not only assists the Cuban sick, but humbly offers his service in 20 other countries, and who is, at the same time, strength and pride of our people.
As part of that endeavor, writers, artists, and cultural workers are making a beautiful contribution. Cultural institutions and creators' organizations, with the support of television, radio, the press and multiple communication platforms, have conceived and supported hundreds of actions and initiatives that carry the humanistic and solidarity message of culture. With them, cultural life has not faded, and art and literature continue to be present among Cubans. It could be said that in the midst of danger, we are witnessing a true rebirth of creation and solidarity participation.
It should be noted that, although most institutions have temporarily closed, the Revolutionary State decided to maintain wage support for creators and workers in culture, according to different work modalities.
Online concerts featuring musicians from multiple generations, poetry recitals via the internet, book donations in hospitals and isolation centers, artistic presentations from the balconies, television capsules with educational messages, home videos that record scenes of magic, circus, dance and Other demonstrations, drawing and painting competitions for children, artisan workshops transformed into efficient factories of nasobucos and protective masks, and dozens of compositions inspired by this dramatic moment, show a spiritual vitality that is irreducible.
At the same time, (and finally) the more than 8,000 students of artistic education, now confined to their homes, receive classes on television, which continue the school year and consolidate their knowledge.
Much more could be said, but time is not enough. We reiterate, yes, that we believe in the unsurpassable reasons of poetry. In other words, Cuba is standing up, on behalf of life.
Thank you.
(Cubaminrex-Mincult-Misión De Cuba ante la Unesco)
@CubaMINREX