London, 13 June 2024- Last night, the British Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union (RMT) hosted a major Cuba solidarity event that brought together trade union leaders from different sectors, prospective parliamentary candidates, members of the Solidarity Campaign (CSC) and friends of Cuba.
"We are here to celebrate the victory of the Cuban people in defending their sovereignty for 65 years, despite the illegal US blockade," said Alex Gordon, President of RMT in welcoming the guests. RMT General Secretaries Mick Lynch, CWU (communications) Dave Ward and PCS (public services) Frant Heathcote reaffirmed their solidarity with the island and their commitment to continue fighting for the lifting of the blockade.
Prospective parliamentary candidates Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Diane Abbot also addressed the meeting. Bell Ribeiro acknowledged the internationalist vocation of Cuba, which despite the great shortages caused by the blockade, shares its resources and medical personnel with other countries. Abbot also described the Cuban Revolution as "one of the greatest of the 20th century that is still standing despite all the US attempts to destroy it".
"The only thing the US will not forgive us is that we remain firm in our struggle for our sovereignty," said the Caribbean nation's Ambassador to the UK, Ismara M. Vargas Walter, who updated those present on the inhuman and cruel impact of Washington's policies, in particular, the infamous inclusion on the unilateral list of States that are allegedly sponsors of terrorism (SSOT).
The Cuban diplomat also thanked the British trade unions and the members of the CSC for their constant work in favour of the end of the blockade and the removal of Cuba from the SSOT list, as well as their support for all donations of school materials, musical instruments, Braille machines and medical supplies. In particular, he acknowledged the efforts currently being made throughout the country to send a container of medicines and medical supplies to the island.
Kevin Courtney, chair of the CSC, reiterated the denunciation of the unjust designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and acknowledged the role of the island in promoting peace, especially as one of the guarantors of the Colombian dialogue.
The director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Ben Jamal, thanked Cuba for its unchanging position of solidarity with the Palestinian people, while denouncing Washington's unjust blockade.