Almost 7000 people from more than 80 countries have already signed an international Open Letter to thank Cuba for its global efforts in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The letter also demands an end to the criminal US Blockade at this time to help Cuban efforts to defeat the virus at home and abroad.
The British Cuba Solidarity Campaign launched the urgent online action calling on Governments to make urgent representations to the Trump administration to end its blockade immediately, or at the very least to temporarily suspend it to allow vital supplies of food, fuel and medical equipment to the Cuban people.
The response to the ‘Help Cuba fight COVID-19 and the US blockade’ online action has been overwhelming. The strength of feeling and support for Cuba’s international brigades and opposition to the US blockade is clearly demonstrated. Messages have flooded in from across the globe.
There are messages from Cuba, the United States, India, Brazil, New Zealand, Nepal, Ethiopia, and even passengers who were on the stricken cruise ship MS Braemer.
People who have witnessed or been treated by Cuban medical brigades or doctors firsthand, and thousands of members of the public have been inspired by Cuba’s global humanitarianism to sign the open letter.
At least 18 British Members of Parliament and Members of the Scottish Parliament, have already signed up and left messages including Grahame Morris MP, Kate Osborne MP, Ian Lavery MP, Navendu Mishra MP, Kim Johnson MP, Richard Burgon MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Neil Findlay MSP, Elaine Smith MSP, Apsana Begum MP and Claudia Webbe MP.
The Member of Parliament for Wavertree in Liverpool Paula Barker MP said she was “humbled” by the island’s humanitarian assistance and that its “selfless acts of kindness are a beacon of hope to us all across the world, particularly when you continue to fight against the abhorrent illegal US blockade.”
Actors Maxine Peake and Guillaume Rivaud, together with trade union leaders, medical professionals and academics have also given their support. Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union wrote “This horrible virus does not see borders. We need to respond to it mobilising resources from every country. End the blockade on Cuba to aid the fight against the virus.”
Professor Helen Colley pointed out that while the Trump administration attempted to buy exclusive rights to any vaccine that may be discovered, “Cuba shows another world is possible, where health is more important than profit.”
Cuba supported the British people on board the cruise ship the MS Braemar in a time of need and this is an opportunity for the British people to demonstrate their appreciation.
A number of the passengers who were stranded on the MS Braemar have left messages, including Michael Wood who wrote: “Thanks to Cuba. I was a passenger on the Braemar recently. Several Commonwealth countries refused to help, as did the USA. Only Cuba saved us.” Christine Wickham, also a passenger, called for the blockade to be lifted: “The lifting of the US blockade is long overdue - Cuba has so much to offer the world, it's time to close the book on the past.”
The online letter has been reported by the Cuban press and many Cuban citizens have signed, including Gilberto Javier, who wrote “It was a pleasure helping the British. Be convinced that we would do it again as many times as necessary for you and anyone who needs it.”
From Italy, Sandra Di Giantomasso gave “a special thanks to Cuba for their humanity. I was also married to a Cuban and saw first hand the devastation that these sanctions have caused to the people of Cuba.”
Nicole sent “love and solidarity from Lebanon” adding that “Cuba is in our hearts. I’ve been twice there and I saw the daily challenges they face.”
“As a Basotho I have seen how Cuba shows solidarity with other countries” wrote Mothuntsane Solomon Moramang from Lesotho.
Miguel Ángel Campillo from Mexico wrote in Spanish that Cubans don’t just help their own people, but they help all the people of the world.
The simple message from Hector Terodosoo from the Philippines summed up the sentiment of all the signers: “Thank you Cuba, your deeds will always be remembered.”
You too can view the messages and sign the letter online at
www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/end-the-blockade/messages/