There is Another Way
The Trinidad and Tobago Friends of Cuba (TTFC) pledges it continued support and solidarity with the Cuban people as they celebrate the 56th anniversary (19th April) of the heroic victory at the Bay of Pigs, where CIA backed insurgents attempted to re-impose the social and economic order which was successfully dispatched by Castro and the 26th of July Movement two years earlier. This important victory demonstrated that the Cuban Revolution could not only improve the lives of ordinary Cubans, but just as importantly, it could defend itself against those reactionary forces whose narrow interests were not beneficial to the vast majority of the Cuban people. The significance of the victory at the Bay of Pigs is that it showed that resistance is not futile, but necessary in the face of social, economic and political injustice. As we enter a new cycle of fascism in Europe, and in particular the United States, the lessons of the Cuban Revolution and its successful defense in April 1961 take on added significance for those seeking social justice and freedom everywhere. We, the members of the TTFC, therefore congratulate and continue to give solidarity to the Cuban people at this time, as they successfully inspire progressive movements everywhere; demonstrating throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Horn of Africa that there is a better way.
April 19th is also significant to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It is the birth date of Hugo Chavez. This, the second anniversary of his passing, is being marked by attempts of the US backed opposition to intensify its efforts to bolster its counter-revolutionary objectives. The current destabilization effort is geared towards further weakening the economy, particularly by creating shortages of critical commodities through hoarding and price gouging, and sabotaging the critical oil and gas sectors. These unpatriotic activities are intended to make the lives of ordinary citizens of the Bolivarian Republic as difficult as possible so that they will vote against their own interest. This effort is also given critical support by the Western media and their surrogates in Latin America. The OAS has generally been in support of US attempts to delegitimize and remove the freely elected government of Venezuela. The TTFC therefore pledges its continued support and solidarity to the Government and people of Venezuela in their just struggle to maintain dignity, self-determination and an equitable social order.
Regards,
Clyde Callender
President
Trinidad and Tobago Friends of Cuba (TTFC)