London, June 10, 2023- Friends of solidarity with Cuba, trade unionists, parliamentarians and local authorities reiterated their solidarity with Cuba during the working visit of the Cuban ambassador, Bárbara Montalvo Álvarez, to the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
At the UNITE union headquarters in a full room, the Ambassador explained to the members of the Solidarity with Cuba Campaign, the Communist Youth League and the British Communist Party the effects of the tightening of the blockade in recent years since the Trump administration. Biden has taken steps in the right direction, but most of the Trump-era measures are still in place, she added. For their part, those present thanked the detailed presentation, denounced the blockade and the inclusion of Cuba in the list of State sponsors of terrorism and recognized the country's achievements in the health and education sectors, as well as internationalism, despite of all the obstacles and shortcomings imposed by the Washington policy.
Similar pronouncements were ratified in meetings with the International Secretary of the Scottish Socialist Party, Bill Bonar, and the General Secretary of the Scottish trade union center, Rozanne Foyer, and members of the executive.
A question was recurring. What can we do to further support Cuba? The answer was clear: continue to denounce the blockade and its criminal effects on the Cuban people.
Particular emotion and significance had the first face-to-face meeting since 2019 of the Cross Party Group on Cuba in Scotland, chaired by Labor MSP Carol Mochan. It was ratified that solidarity with Cuba is also present in that instance.
With the academic Helen Yaffe, she updated on relations with the University of Glasgow.
The day did not lack a brief exchange with Daniesky Acosta, one of the organizers of the association of Cubans living in the United Kingdom "Cubanos en UK", who although geographically distant from his homeland, continues to work to support solidarity with Cuba.
The extensive work program in both cities was preceded by courtesy meetings with their Lord Provosts for whom Cuba is a close place. Both supported the development of relations in areas of common interest such as culture and education.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the First Secretary for cultural and academic issues, Michel Rodríguez, and the Second Secretary for political issues, Aymée Díaz.