The Cuban Revolution at 60 -Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2019

In 2019, the Cuban revolution celebrates its 60th anniversary. It is also a time of historic transformation on the island – leadership change, constitutional reform, and a complex process of economic developments under way. We believe this is a good opportunity to discuss the progress Cuba has made over the past 60 years and perhaps more importantly, to analyze current developments. In addition, given the difficulties faced by Cuban academics and researchers to meet their American colleagues due to visa restrictions imposed by the US government, and significantly increased bilateral tension, it is important to maintain channels of dialogue open.

Here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we believe that there is an appropriate place for this exchange to take place. We have a tradition of working with Cuba. Over twenty years ago Dalhousie University established an exchange programme with FLACSO-Cuba, and over 700 of our students have participated in programmes in Cuba. Faculty in Law, Coastal Zone Resources, Management, and International Development Studies

In 1989—to provide an assessment of 30 years of the Cuban revolutionary process—we organized an international conference attended by 450 Cuba specialists, and four books (compilations of the best presentations) were published.

The Cuban Revolution at 60 international conference will discuss the significance of 60 years of the Cuban revolutionary process, and examine the potential and challenges facing Cuba: the progress Cuba has made over the past six decades and the evolution currently underway. A series of panels will assess the successes and challenges of the Cuban economy, Cuba-US relations, and Cuba's international relations. Other panels revolve around climate change and ecological challenges facing the island, and social change (analyzing questions of race, gender (in)equity, health, and LGBTQ rights). Some forty of the leading Cuba specialists from Cuba, the UK, Latin America, Europe, the United States and Canada will gather to discuss these subjects. 

The Cuban Revolution at 60 International Conference, 

Halifax, Canada 31 Oct-02 Nov, 2019

Program

III Call Anti-imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism Havana, November 1-3, 2019 The Anti-imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism will take place in Havana from November 1 to 3 of this year, organized by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Central Organization of Cuban Trade Unions (CTC), along with the Cuban Chapter of Social Movements and the Continental Conference for Democracy and against Neoliberalism. The meeting in Havana expresses the Cuban Revolution´s decision to respond to the demand of the political, social left-wing and the Solidarity Movement with Cuba that our country continues to be a meeting point of the peoples struggles in our continent. We have proposed the event to be a real contribution to confronting the current counterrevolutionary offensive of US imperialism, to the search for the widest possible unity of the leftist forces in the region and to strengthening militant solidarity with the just causes defended by the peoples. In the current political situation, marked by the aggressiveness of the Trump administration, new ways will be sought to reinforce solidarity with these causes in the world, mainly in our region. In November, a heterogeneous representation of the United States and Canada will also be present in Havana, friends who have always been on the side of justice and who since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution have been in solidarity with us. We will also have important intellectuals, committed to the liberating struggles of the peoples. The growing hostility against Cuba and other countries in the region, the judicial persecution of progressive leaders, the imposition of recycled neoliberalism, are distinctive features of the current North American policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean that awaken the fighting capacity of Latin American and Caribbean peoples. In the same way, the mobilization for the occasion of hundreds of social fighters, political leaders, intellectuals, peasants, women, indigenous people, solidarity activists, among others; will constitute a formidable encouragement to the heroic resistance of the Cuban people, determined to defeat the Helms Burton Act, the blockade and to carry forward the updating of its economic and social development model. Faced with pessimism and the claudication of some, the participants in the anti-imperialist solidarity meeting will respond with the strengthening of the struggle moral and the deep conviction that the Latin America and the Caribbean peoples will continue marching towards their second and definitive independence. The Organizing Committee of the Anti-imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism, calls for an event that highlights the Cubans´ best traditions of hospitality and their commitment to independence, justice, peace and fraternity among the peoples. Those interested should send their attendance confirmation to the email address enc.jornada2019@gmail.com with a copy to AMISTUR emailsdireccion@amistur.cu and comercial@amistur.cu Conference Program Havana, Cuba, November 1-3, 2019. 1st day: November 1st 9.00-09: 30: Opening of the event. Tribute to Fidel. 09.30-09: 45: Words from comrade Fernando González LLort, ICAP President and the Coordinating Committee of the event. 09.45-10: 15: Audiovisual projection about Cuba, its foreign policy and solidarity. 10: 15-12: 45: MINREX speech: Cuba’s foreign policy in the regional context. Fight against the blockade. 12: 45-14: 45: Lunch 15: 00- 17:00: Panel: Challenges of the left in the current regional scenario before the imperialist offensive. 17: 15-19.15: Anti-imperialist tribune in support of just causes. – Closing of the tribune with Cuban troubadours and foreigners participating in the event. 2nd day: November 2 09.00- 09.15: Audiovisual material presentation 09: 15- 10:45: Panel: Challenges for a solidarity articulation of our struggles. 10: 45- 11:00: Break 11: 00- 13: 15: Working in Thematic Commissions. – Solidarity with Cuba and other just causes. – Peoples before free trade and transnationals. – Decolonization and cultural war. – Youth: strategies and continuity in struggles. – Democracy, sovereignty and anti-imperialism. – Strategic communication and social struggle. – Integration, identities and common struggles. 1:30 – 3:00: Lunch 14:00 – 15:00 Anti-imperialist Twitterstorm 15: 00 – 16:30 Working in Thematic Commissions 16.30 – 18.00 Coordination Meetings 3rd day: November 3 09: 00- 12:00: Process of articulation in Plenary. – Presentation of working Commissions. 12: 00- 13:45: Lunch 14:00 -16: 00: Closing Plenary. – Presentation and approval of the Action Plan Project. – Closing speech. 16:00 – 18:00: Cultural Gala.

Paul Lynch 1952-2019

 On behalf of the Canadian Network on Cuba we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of a dear friend and solidarity activist, Paul Lynch on August 5^th in Toronto after a short illness.

Paul was an easy-going, generous, warm person, who worked tirelessly in solidarity with Cuba and for peace and social justice.  In Cuba, his vibrant presence at the brigades over the years livened up the spirits of everyone around him. His deep commitment and love for Cuba was reflected in his constant return and solidarity with the Cuban Revolution.  He found hope, solace and renewed energy from the Cuban people and their innumerable accomplishments; and in turn brought that optimism back to Canada and shared it with all those he encountered.

Back in Toronto, Paul was an executive member of the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association and attended the 9^th Biennial Convention in June 2019 as a delegate.  He was always keen to welcome our Cuban visitors.  Most recently, during the convention held in Toronto, he had the opportunity to drive ICAP representatives Sandra Yisel Ramírez and Yamil Edwardo Martínez Marrero around the city; and around Ontario during their post-convention tour.

Paul’s presence was omnipresent with CCFA.  He helped organize the Bravo Film Festival in 2018. With a keen proofreaders’ eye, Paul helped put out the CCFA Toronto newsletter Amistad.  He delivered cots for the large Pastors for Peace caravan on its stopover in Toronto last fall.  Paul always had his cell phone camera ready to take photos, documenting demonstrations, events, travel and friends everywhere.

We express our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and friends.

Our dear, wonderful Paul will be greatly missed by his numerous friends in Canada and Cuba and around the world.

Elizabeth Hill and Isaac Saney, Co-chairs Canadian Network on Cuba