Message from the Board of Directors of the Association of Cuban Residents in Jamaica "Antonio Maceo Grajales" on New Year’s Eve and the advent of the 62nd anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.
Dear CUBAN brothers, our Association of Cuban Residents in Jamaica "Antonio Maceo Grajales" wishes to congratulate all its compatriots, inside and outside Cuba, on New Year’s Eve and the advent of the 62nd anniversary of the triumph of our Cuban Revolution.
Year 2020 posed multiple challenges. Covid-19 caused more than 80 million cases and almost two million deaths. Thanks to a well-established, globally recognized health system, Cuba has been able to mitigate the most adverse effects of the disease, maintaining low incidence and lethality rates, as compared to other countries in the world. We feel proud of our Cuban land, which not only cures its own children, but has also sent more than 50 brigades from the International Contingent of Doctors Specialized in Serious Epidemics "Henry Reeve" to more than 30 countries, including Jamaica.
The pandemic has also dealt a severe blow to the world economy, by causing a significant decrease in tourism and trade. In the case of our country, its effects have been felt simultaneously with the unprecedented resurgence of the condemnable economic, financial and commercial blockade of the US government against our people. Likewise, we have suffered the unilateral and extreme reduction of air transportation between the two countries and the attack on remittances from Cubans who live abroad to our relatives on the island.
We must acknowledge the Embassy’s support in keeping people updated on changes, immigration issues and especially for issuing a Daily Report of Covid-19, both from Jamaica and Cuba, which we receive from our Consul. Its doors have always been open to receive Cubans who live on this island and evacuate their doubts.
We must make fair reference to the achievements of our Association here in Jamaica, especially in relation to SOLIDARITY, the way we have helped each other for years in difficult and / or serious times that some of our CUBAN brothers have gone through, regardless they are members of our Association or not. This is a very conducive moment to urge those who are not associates to join us this year.
Naturally, this year we were unable to carry out numerous activities due to the aforementioned pandemic. Even so, we continue to function as an Association while paying attention to our needs. We felt honoured to participate in the celebration of the anniversary of the José Martí school in Spanish Town, together with some staff members of our Cuban Embassy. We held our last formal meeting in February, where we exchanged ideas and opinions.
A health fair was scheduled that could not be held; but it is worth recognizing the role played by various members during its organization.
Our teachers spared no effort, with their brilliant initiatives and tenacity, by joining online classes and preventing education in Jamaica be affected. They also won their heroes award.
The Pandemic has kept us physically distant; However, communication through social networks and other means allowed us to be more united despite the distance and give us that encouragement that is needed when danger lurks. In our chats, we shared important news about national and international daily events, we gave each other invaluable advice on health, employment and hygiene issues. We encouraged each other to keep going without giving up and we also laughed at the odd jokes from those that give us more options to relax in difficult times.
Faced with the scourge of the Covid-19 Pandemic, based on that humanitarian sentiment that we have and that we always carry because that’s how we CUBANS are, all doctors, nurses and health personnel who live here in Jamaica, many of whom belong to our Association, faced an unknown virus and protected the Jamaican population unconditionally and with exceptional dedication, becoming part of the heroes of this battle.
For all the above, we can be satisfied; since the success of our Association has been generated by what we have achieved together and individually until today, regardless of religious or political believes or any other preferences. RESPECT has prevailed among us and we will continue to improve it.
Brothers, let's start 2021 even more united to continue achieving all our goals as we have done before!
A hug and a lot of happiness!!!
Damaris Hernández Mojena, President
Association of Cuban Residents in Jamaica "Antonio Maceo"
31 December 2020