On 24 and 25 February, the Cuban Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Ismara Vargas Walter, attended a series of important events in Exeter organised by UNISON South West and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. These events aimed to strengthen solidarity between the UK and Cuba by bringing together trade union leaders, regional councillors and members of the public.
The Ambassador's visit began with a fringe meeting and reception. The meeting was attended by the UNISON South West Regional Executive Committee, the Regional Secretary and around 50 people.
In her speech, Her Excellency highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between Cuba and the global trade union movement. She thanked UNISON members for their unwavering solidarity and highlighted the resilience and achievements of the Cuban people in the face of immense challenges.
In her remarks, the Ambassador noted:
"Last week, on January 14, the Biden administration took very delayed and limited steps to roll back some of the policies imposed by the first Trump administration. But just a week later, on January 21, President Trump reversed those actions. This included relisting Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a designation that is both unfair and politically motivated. It also reinstated restrictive policies enacted during his first administration, such as the Restricted Entities List, which prohibits U.S. citizens from engaging with a wide range of Cuban entities, among other harmful, coercive, unilateral measures. These policies were crafted by individuals like Marco Rubio, who now serves as Secretary of State and, as a Senator, was the mastermind behind the most hostile measures during the first Trump presidency. With his influence and active participation, we now expect a continuation and escalation of aggression against Cuba. If your support has been vital during these years, your support will be indispensable during the next four years.
The Ambassador also detailed the impact of the U.S.-imposed economic, commercial, and financial blockade-the longest and most comprehensive system of coercive measures in modern history. She described how this blockade affects every aspect of Cuban life and development, including the country's ability to trade freely and access essential goods. Despite these adversities, the Ambassador celebrated Cuba's remarkable achievements, such as the development and distribution of its own COVID-19 vaccines under extraordinary circumstances, and its unwavering commitment to medical internationalism.
The evening included thought-provoking films that offered insights into the resilience of the Cuban people, the impact of the blockade, and Cuba's contributions to global solidarity, including support for Palestinian students in Gaza. Her Excellency acknowledged the vital support of initiatives such as the "Cuba Vive Appeal," which has raised funds to provide essential resources to Cuba. She described these acts of solidarity as powerful contributions to justice and a testament to the power of collective action.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, followed by informal discussions at a reception that fostered deeper connections and mutual understanding.
On the morning of February 25, the Ambassador addressed the UNISON South West Regional Council meeting, which was attended by some 100 participants, including representatives from branches throughout the region. Sharing the platform with other speakers, Her Excellency focused on Cuba's social achievements, the critical importance of international solidarity, and the need for continued efforts to end the U.S. blockade.
The Ambassador spoke passionately about Cuba's revolutionary spirit, rooted in dignity, solidarity, and perseverance. She highlighted the country's universal health care system, its commitment to education as a fundamental right, and its belief in the power of international cooperation to build a more just and sustainable world. Her Excellency also drew attention to the escalating hostility of the U.S. government and the urgent need for global solidarity to counter these unjust policies.
The meeting included a question and answer session, during which participants expressed their admiration for Cuba's resilience and their commitment to supporting its cause.
These meetings highlighted the shared values and mutual solidarity between the Cuban people and trade unionists in the UK. They reaffirmed the importance of collective action in building a fairer and more just world.