Article of the Chairman of Jamaica Left Alliance for National Democracy and Socialism (LANDS) on the COVID-19 and the Weakness of Capitalism (excerpts)
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, again exposes the weaknesses of Capitalism and liberal ideology. The countries which have shown the best response to this crisis are countries where the government is heavily involved in the response through provision of public healthcare, planned distribution of food to lessen the need for people to leave their homes, and responsible policies on social behaviour like quarantines, social distancing, and extra time off from work.
The two countries which have given the best international response to this crisis are China and Cuba, while the US and the EU struggle to handle it even domestically.
Capitalism might look nice on paper but, at the end of the day, it can’t properly handle a crisis in a way that saves human lives. Any Government who really cares for its people is committed to saving lives at any cost, whereas the US government seems committed to saving costs at any lives.
It is very disgusting and disappointing to see how the US tries to discredit and sabotage some countries even during this crisis. Sanctions against multiple countries continue, limiting their ability to trade and acquire critical resources like pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
The US is also trying to discredit Cuba’s medical internationalism, which is saving many lives in countries that the US considers allies but has failed to help. The US and EU remain hostile to Venezuela, while Venezuela is helping Cuba to deliver well-needed aid to Italy, which has been abandoned by the EU.
There is an international effort to call for an end to sanctions against Cuba, Nicaragua Venezuela, Iran, and the DPRK. It is critical that progressive organisations concerned with human rights all support this move.
Petty political games are costing lives, more so now during this crisis. Capitalism has failed to aid humanity in the battle against this crisis, and right-wing governments seem hellbent on ensuring that humanity overall loses.
We should be grateful for countries like Cuba and their efforts in helping the world during times of crisis like this, but it is not the first; Cuba has a history of medical internationalism and sending aid in times of disaster.
It is an absolute shame that, despite all its cute words in declarations of solidarity, we have allowed and tolerated the blockade and sanctions by the US to continue against Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries. Our leaders need to be careful with whose hands they continue to shake, or else we leave ourselves vulnerable to disease.
Sincerely,
Christophe Simpson
Chairman of Jamaica LANDS
15 April 2020
Full statement here: https://www.jalands.org/media/opinion-pieces/2020/3/26/covid-19-and-the-weaknesses-of-capitalism