The Swedish-Cuban Association
Solidarity declaration by the Swedish-Cuban Association
We have with concern, alarm and sorrow followed the violent ravages of hurricane Irma in the Carribbean and Cuba. We understand that the destruction and damage is enormous. We express our solidarity with the People of Cuba and our admiration for Cuba, which at the same time as it itself has been hit so hard by the hurricane, also generously and in solidarity sends 750 medical specialists to other countries in the region that have been hit.
The Swedish-Cuban Association has already initiated a solidarity fund-raising for Cuba. These funds will in full be sent to Cuba for the restoration work. However, we are also very aware that the ”hurricane” that most devastatingly and continuously is hitting the People of Cuba, is the US blockade, ongoing for more than 55 years. This blockade does far greater damage than any natural hurricane. On top of everything, only a few days ago, the 8th of September, President Trump renewed for yet one more year the application of the law ”Trading with the enemy” targeting Cuba, continuing the intensified US blockade against the island.
The catastrophe and damages are extensive. Not only Cuba has been hit. Large-scale resources will be needed for restoration work in the whole region. However, the rich countries of the world invest enormous amounts of money in more destruction through their wars and deadly military rearmament programmes: A never-ending increase of investments in weapons that threaten the very existence of humanity. Following Cuba’s example, these resources should instead be used for purposes that benefit mankind, and not purposes that are a threat.
We express our deepest solidarity with the People of Cuba and are confident that they shall overcome this challenge too, and after this devastation caused by hurricane Irma, restore their country to yet more beauty.
Swedish-Cuban Association, September 11th, 2017
Zoltan Tiroler, President
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Hurricane Irma - Support Cuba's recovery work!
Cuba has once again been hit by a catastrophe. The hurricane Irma has ploughed its way along the whole length of Cuba's northern coast, creating widespread destruction. Thanks to Cuba's renowned preventive measures, no lives have so far been lost. The material damages are on the other hand at this moment incalculable. Damages to buildings, infrastructure and agriculture are immense and will take a long time to repair. Cuba has an acute need of funds for all this work.
In spite of the fact that Cuba itself has been severely hit by the hurricane, Cuba, in line with its many years of internationalist tradition, has now sent over 750 medical doctors and health care specialists to other nations that have been ravaged by the hurricane; Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Dominica, Haiti.
The Swedish-Cuban Association now welcomes donations to its bank account "Medicines for Cuba, Postal Giro number
23 57 15-0" for Cuba's restoration work after the hurricane Irma. On this bank account we have 100.000 Swedish Crowns available to start this fund-raising. Write "HURRICANE FUND CUBA" when you send a contribution. All contributions are thankfully received and the money will in full be sent to Cuba for the recovery after the hurricane. At the same time, we are much aware that the best support that Cuba could receive would be the ending of the merciless U.S. blockade that Cuba is still subjected to, and which harshly hurts all the people of Cuba. This US blockade is in violation of international law and humanity.
The Swedish-Cuban Association
September 9th, 2017
Postal address: Office visiting address: Telephone: E-mail: info@svensk-kubanska.se
Tegelviksgatan 40 Solidaritetshuset +46-(0)8-31 95 30 Website: http://www.svensk-kubanska.se SE-116 41 Stockholm Tegelviksgatan 40 SWEDEN Stockholm