Letter to the Communist Party of Cuba on its 8th Congress:
We send a special salute to the Communist Party of Cuba on the occasion of its eighth Party Congress. The Communist Party of Cuba serves as an inspiration to us more than any other organisation that still exists in the world today. Despite the challenges caused by the wrath of imperialism, Cuba is a standing example of what Socialism can look like, and Cuba’s achievements continue to be noticed by anti-Capitalists all over the world, but especially in the Caribbean.
The first person that comes to most Jamaicans’ minds when they hear the words “Communist” or “revolutionary” is Fidel Castro. Most Jamaicans, regardless of their ideology, respect and admire him because he had strong principles and always stood up for humanity.
We hope to also teach our people about other Cuban historical figures like Blas Roca, and the organisations that came together to form the modern party that we know as the Communist Party of Cuba.
We send special greetings to Raul Castro, a principled Marxist who ideologically influenced the direction of the revolutionary movement and who is recognised as a Comandante in his own right for his role in the field that helped to lead to the triumph of the Revolution. As he retires from office, we hope that he can enjoy the rest of his life.
Our movement consists of youth from various backgrounds and political disciplines. Apart from Marxism-Leninism and Democratic Socialism, two very important schools of thought that we engage are Pan-Africanism and Black Nationalism.
Black Nationalists in Jamaica often speak of Cuba with high regard. As we are now studying the work of Kwame Ture, we take note that he said that “Fidel Castro is a Pan-Africanist of the highest order.” He said this because of the Cuban Revolution’s support for Black national liberation struggles all over the world, both in continental Africa and this side of the world. Cuba’s decision to continue to grant asylum to Assata Shakur is only one example among many others, and we can never forget Cuba’s role in the armed struggles in Angola.
We have, as well, been welcomed by the Communist Party of Cuba to see the progress of the Cuban Revolution, to see Cuba’s struggles today, and to participate in events where we form bonds with other political and social movements across the world.
We salute the Communist Party of Cuba, and we salute the Revolution.
Sincerely,
Christophe Simpson
Chairman of Jamaica LANDS
Rayon Cameron
Deputy Chairman of Jamaica LANDS
Shennie Finlayson
Deputy Chairperson of Jamaica LANDS
15 April 2021