London, 11 June 2025 - The vibrant rhythms of Cuban salsa filled the air as more than 200 friends of Cuba gathered on the evening of 11 June for the 18th RMT Garden Party for Cuba 2025, a landmark event that sold out days in advance and reaffirmed the UK trade union movement's unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people.
The evening featured live music by legendary Cuban violinist Omar Puente and the electrifying Raíces Cubanas. Attendees enjoyed traditional Cuban food and drinks as they united in support of the Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal and the ongoing campaign to end the U.S. blockade of Cuba.
Hosted by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC), the event was opened by RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey, who welcomed guests and reaffirmed the union's proud tradition of internationalism.
Special guest and keynote speaker H.E. Ismara Vargas Walter, Ambassador of Cuba to the United Kingdom, delivered a powerful speech thanking the RMT and CSC for their commitment and condemning the six-year U.S. blockade that continues to cause great harm to the Cuban people.
"Tonight we gather to raise our voices and our resources in the face of an unjust siege," the ambassador said. "The blockade is an act of collective punishment. It is a flagrant violation of international law. It must end."
The Ambassador emphasized the urgency of the current economic and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba, exacerbated by the tightening of the blockade under the Trump administration. She praised the importance of the Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal, which channels material aid to the Cuban health system.
"Solidarity is the hammer that breaks the blockade."
The Ambassador also drew a strong parallel between Cuba and Palestine, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of ongoing genocide and occupation, and calling for justice and an end to impunity.
The evening also included solidarity remarks from Sinn Féin Member of Parliament Chris Hazzard, who reiterated his unwavering support for Cuba and condemned the illegal and immoral nature of the U.S. blockade.
"Cuba is a beacon of dignity, resistance and sovereignty," Hazzard said. "The international community cannot be silent. We will continue to raise our voices until the blockade is history".
Bernard Regan, Secretary of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, addressed the audience with an impassioned speech recognizing Cuba's contributions to global public health and education. He spoke of the thousands of Cuban doctors working abroad on international medical missions, providing care in underserved regions of the world, often in crisis zones where few others are willing to go.
For a fresh perspective, a young RMT trade unionist who was part of a group of 41 young workers on the 2025 May Day Brigade to Cuba took to the stage to share his first-hand experience of the island. He spoke movingly of the warmth and resilience of the Cuban people and the inspiration the Brigade had drawn from witnessing the reality of Cuba beyond the media distortions.
"We saw a country under pressure, but never broken," the brigadista said. "We returned home more determined than ever to fight for an end to the blockade and to deepen the bonds between our movements."
The audience included trade union leaders, local councillors, MPs and long-time solidarity activists whose support has been instrumental in maintaining political and practical support for Cuba in the UK. Other guest speakers from across the labor and solidarity movement addressed the crowd throughout the evening, highlighting grassroots campaigns and parliamentary action to challenge the blockade.
Now in its eighteenth year, the RMT Garden Party for Cuba has become a major event in the UK solidarity calendar. The event has raised significant funds for medical aid and served as a rallying point for collective action.
The Embassy of Cuba extends its heartfelt thanks to the RMT, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, the performers, speakers, organizers and all those who participated in this joyful act of resistance.
Cuba remains undaunted, undefeated, unbowed, and forever grateful for the unstoppable force of solidarity.
