Zimbabwe understands the nature of sanctions imposed by the United States of America on Cuba because we share a common understanding of these. For 60 years, successive US administrations have maintained economic, financial and commercial blockade on Cuba. The current administration has intensified the sanctions to provoke desperation among the Cuban people and push for regime change in the Republic of Cuba.
However, the country has developed an active relationship with Africa and Latin America based on principles, solidarity and co-operation, particularly in health and education. Cuban doctors have helped many countries in Africa against the Ebola outbreak and now with Covid-19. After several requests by governments for help in dealing with the pandemic, Cuba prepared brigades and now they are found in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Italy, Jamaica, Granada, Andorra, Saint Christopher Islands, Haiti and other countries.
Cuba is always ready to respond to distress calls in places of the planet affected by disasters or epidemics. Members of the “Henry Reeve” brigades are doing immense work in the world health system, ensuring health rights of the people are upheld while raising the Cuban flag high. Since the beginning of April, 17 brigades of the international contingent of specialised medical personnel for disasters and serious epidemics with more than 500 Cuban professionals in the health sector, are helping to combat the coronavirus in other nations.
In view of these contributions made by the Republic of Cuba, the Zimbabwe-Cuba Friendship Association (ZICUFA) strongly appeals to the US and to President Donald Trump to lift the 61-year sanctions imposed on Cuba. This will enable Cubans to increase their capacity and offer more help to other nations in need, especially in the health sector. Also, their internal economy would be able to develop for the benefit of every Cuban citizen and future generations, who do not even know why the sanctions are there in the first place.