Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
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
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Wednesday, August 7, 2019
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 9th 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
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
66TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONCADA: ROAD OF INDEPENDENCE, JUSTICE AND DIGNITY
-Isaac Saney, CNC Spokesperson, July 21, 2019 -
LONG LIVE THE MARTYRS OF MONCADA!
July 26, 2019 marks the 66th anniversary of the act that is annually celebrated all over Cuba as the beginning of the movement and struggle that paved the way for the Cuban Revolution.
On that day 66-years ago, Cuba’s rebels rose up against the U.S.- supported dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Although that first battle was lost, the Revolution ultimately prevailed on January 1, 1959.
Canadian commemorations of Moncada Day are a refection of the ties that exist between Cuba and Canada. Canadians admire the courageous and rebellious spirit embodied in Moncada; a spirit that today is so powerfully manifested in Cuba’s steadfastness against the efforts of the empire to destroy the island’s independence.
The Canadian Network On Cuba and the Canada-Cuba solidarity movement stand united against the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. This economic war, combined with other attacks against the right of the Cuban people to chart their own course, has failed - and will fail - to defeat those historical aspirations and aim to build a society based on genuine independence and justice. As Raúl Castro poignantly underscored, "Despite its immense power, imperialism does not possess the capacity to break the dignity of a united people, proud of its history and of the freedom conquered with so much sacrifice."
Canadian commemorations of Moncada also take place in the context of disturbing developments in Ottawa's policy towards Cuba. On May 8, 2019 the Government of Canada made the abrupt decision to shut down the section of its Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Office in Havana through which visas were processed for Cuban citizens wishing to visit Canada. This includes Cubans travelling for family visits, and those seeking work or study permits. This decision has introduced unreasonable delays and significant financial obstacles, as well as personal and emotional distress for those Cubans seeking to travel to Canada, and will cause (and has caused), among other things, significant damages to family reunification, business, academic, cultural, scientific, and sports relations.
This is unacceptable! The Canadian Network On Cuba and the Canada-Cuba solidarity movement call on the Government of Canada to fully re-open the IRCC Office and all visa services to Cubans in Havana!
In the 66-years that have flashed by since Moncada, the Cuban people have shown what it is possible to achieve when one defends genuine independence and self-determination. The example of Cuba assumes even greater significance as the 21st century continues unfolding, fraught with grave threats and alarming dangers that threaten the well-being - even the existence - of the peoples of the world. In the midst of these profound challenges, these terrible perils, Cuba isa potent refutation to the contention that relations among the world’s nations and peoples are — and can only be — determined and governed by egoist self-interest, and the brutal pursuit of power and wealth.
As Cuba continues on the path of social justice, human dignity and international solidarity, the Cuban Revolution continues to be an inspiration to humanity. Cuba demonstrates that it is possible to build relations based on genuine solidarity and social love; it is a living example of the alternatives that permit people to realize their deepest aspirations, and that another better world is possible.
Moncada: Affirming History, Independence and the Cause of Peace and Justice
- By Isaac Saney, National Spokesperson, Canadian Network On Cuba -
On July 26, 1953, a group of courageous young men and women -- led by Fidel Castro -- attacked the Moncada Barracks in the city of Santiago de Cuba, and the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Barracks in Bayamo, in an attempt to overthrow the U.S. supported puppet dictator Fulgencio Batista. As the island's second largest military garrison, the Moncada Barracks was critical to Batista's military control of southern Cuba. The goal was to seize the weapons and distribute them to the people and spark a national uprising that would not only overthrow the Batista dictatorship but also establish Cuba's independence and sovereignty. This heroic act is annually commemorated all over Cuba as the beginning of the movement and struggle that laid the foundation of the Cuban Revolution.
This year's commemorations are imbued with a particular poignancy; it is the first without the physical presence of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. Fidel epitomized the unbending commitment to Justice, Dignity and Independence that has characterized Cuba since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel's living legacy continues in the work of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel's example and fidelity to principle continue to inspire the Cuban people, who continue on the path of independence, self-determination and human dignity.
The attacks were carried out by an organization that was created in 1952, under the leadership of Fidel Castro and Abel Santamaria, and comprised of young workers, students, artisans, peasants and landless farmers. It had around 1,500 members and affiliated itself with historic Cuban national liberation figures such as José Martí and Antonio Maceo. Around 120 youths were part of the attacks, approximately 70 of whom were killed, with many being tortured and executed after the attack. The survivors, including Fidel Castro, were subsequently put on trial and given lengthy prison sentences. Most, including Fidel Castro, were released after an amnesty in May 1955. This amnesty was the result of the mass mobilization of Cubans in support of the imprisoned rebels. Under the leadership of Fidel Castro, the July 26th Movement galvanized Cubans, ultimately leading to the victory of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959.
The Moncada Barracks shortly after the July 26, 1953 attack. The barracks have been converted into a school
and Museum of the Revolution where the bullet holes shown here can be seen to this day.
While the Moncada attack failed in fulfilling its immediate objective, it was central to the Cuban people's struggle for national affirmation and social emancipation. Cubans have always placed Moncada in a broad historical context, viewing it as a crucial link in the century-long striving of Cuba to free itself from Spanish colonial domination and U.S. tutelage, and then, establish authentic independence. At his trial Fidel Castro delivered a speech that eventually became the manifesto of the movement to overthrow the Batista tyranny. It was published as La Historia Me Absolvera (History Will Absolve Me) and laid out the national and social goals of the revolutionary movement that eventually triumphed on January 1, 1959. Today, the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes barracks, now a school and a museum, stand as concrete symbols of that successful struggle.
Raúl and Fidel in the Sierra Maestra during the Cuban Revolutionary War
Since the Cuban people embarked on the road paved by Moncada, Cuba has refuted and continues to refute the colonialist mentality and practice of foisting on independent countries imperial arrangements and dictates that they resoundingly reject. The Cuban Revolution has refused to renounce its right to self-determination and the principles, principles forged in the crucible of Moncada.
History has given its judgment, vindicating the attack on the Moncada Barracks!
Long Live the Martyrs of Moncada!
Long Live the Cuban Revolution!
Monday, July 1, 2019
Friday, June 21, 2019
Communiqué - 9th Biennial Convention of the Canadian Network on Cuba: Defending Canada-Cuba Ties of Friendship & Solidarity
Isaac Saney (CNC)
On June 8 - 9, 2019 delegates of 19 Canada-Cuba solidarity and friendship organizations from across the country gathered at Toronto City Hall for the 9th Biennial Convention of the Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC). Delegates met in the context of Washington’s escalating attacks on Cuba and worrying developments in Canada-Cuba relations. The closing of Canada's visa office in Havana, for example, was highlighted as extremely perturbing. Delegate deliberations emphasized that for 2019-2021 one of the central tasks facing the CNC, therefore, is to do its utmost to reverse these negative developments and ensure Ottawa's policy towards Cuba does not mirror Washington's. The Convention underscored that Canadians, who in their hundreds of thousands visit Cuba annually for many reasons including tourism, business, academic, political and cultural exchanges of all kinds, want Ottawa to pursue a foreign policy based on mutual respect and equality.
Heroic Island Faces the Empire
On June 7, a pre-convention event was held at A Different Booklist, where speakers Cuban Consul Yoslaidy Clemente López, Cikiah Thomas (Chairperson, Global Afrikan Congress) and Dr. Isaac Saney Cuba specialist, CNC co-chair and spokesperson) addressed a packed house. Clemente López said Cuba's history has been one of resisting and standing up to colonizers and imperial powers and that the Cuban people would prevail over whatever the U.S. decided to hit them with. In their presentations Saney and Thomas soberly but passionately denounced Washington’s and Ottawa's aggression against Cuba and Venezuela. With the meeting serving as the kick-off for the CNC Convention, the presenters called on all Canadians to uphold the right of self-determination and sovereignty of all peoples, while opposing the meddling and interference of any external force in their countries.
On the morning of June 8, the 9th Biennial Convention opened by acknowledging and greeting guests from the Embassy of Cuba in Canada and the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). Chief Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation then brought greetings. With a moving message of unity, Chief Laforme stressed the commonalities that bind all peoples together. As a token of gratitude, Chief Laforme was presented with a pouch of Cuban tobacco by CNC co-chair Isaac Saney. Saney underlined the symbolism of the Cuban tobacco by reciting the story of Hatuey, the Taino chief from Haiti who led the resistance in Cuba to Spanish colonization. Hatuey is recognized by Cubans as the island nation’s first internationalist. Saney also highlighted Havana’s important diplomatic contribution to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Distinguished guests included Her Excellency Josefina Vidal (Ambassador of Cuba to Canada), Tania López Larroque (Consul General of Cuba), Sandra Ramírez Rodríguez (Director, North American Desk - ICAP), Yamil Martínez Marrero (Canada Desk - ICAP) and other Cuban diplomats and guests. The Convention then had the distinct honour and privilege of receiving words of greetings from Ambassador Josefina Vidal. The Ambassador underlined the importance of the Canada-Cuba solidarity and friendship movement. She emphasized that despite facing ongoing U.S. aggression, the Cuban people had preserved their unity, without violating any of the revolutionary or ethical principles that have guided Cuba’s socialist project. She stated that Cuba’s goal was to continue to build a society of ever greater equity and justice, guided by José Martí’s vision of a nation “with all and for all.” The Ambassador reiterated these points in the June 8th evening public meeting, Cuba Moving Forward in 2019, held at the Church of the Holy Trinity, located in Trinity Square. She elaborated on the island nation’s socioeconomic development and the new constitution, emphasizing Cuba’s determination to renew its revolutionary and nation building project, while preserving its independence and sovereignty. She underscored the extensive democratic participation of the Cuban people in this process. In a lively question and answer period, Ambassador Vidal unequivocally declared that Cuba stands for Latin American independence, is opposed to foreign interference and intervention in the region, and would not yield to imperial pressure. She said that the Canadian government should reconsider its decision to close its visa office in Havana, so that it would not be remembered as the government that ended Canada-Cuba people to people relations.
Delegates attended from almost all the Canadian Network on Cuba member groups from Halifax to Vancouver. A report on the CNC work over the last two years was presented by co-chairs, Isaac Saney and Elizabeth Hill, followed with verbal reports from member organizations. In addition to plenary sessions and public events, three Convention panels were also held. In the first panel, on Canada-Cuba-U.S. relations, Sandra Ramírez and Isaac Saney addressed Canada’s closing of its visa processing facilities in its Havana embassy and its impact on the Canadian and Cuban people. There was also an extensive discussion of Washington’s aggression against Venezuela and the impact on Cuba and Canada of the activation by U.S. President Trump of Title III and IV of the notorious and internationally condemned Helms-Burton Act. On the second panel, Defend Cuba and Latin American Sovereignty and Independence, Yamil Martínez (ICAP), Edgar Godoy (Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network) and Dr. Maria Páez Victor, (Chair, Canadian, Latin American and Caribbean Policy Centre) underscored the historic meaning of the Cuban Revolution for the cause of democracy, sovereignty and peace in the region. The dangers of U.S. imperialism, especially its ongoing attacks on Venezuela, which Canada has also joined, were examined in sobering detail.
The third panel featured a special guest speaker, Mark Entwistle, former Ambassador of Canada to Cuba from 1993-1997. Trained as an historian, Mr. Entwistle drew attention to the early history of Canada-Cuba relations going back to the late 19th century before reviewing the uninterrupted diplomatic relations that Canada and Cuba have enjoyed since 1945. He accentuated that Canada, along with Mexico, refused to break diplomatic relations with Cuba in the 1960s when the United States established its economic, financial and commercial blockade of the island nation. He stressed that the recent closing of the visa office represents a serious departure from this longstanding relationship. He underscored that Cuba has a unique perspective on the world and has played an important role in contributing to regional peace and security. In the question and answer period, Mr. Entwistle emphasized that Canada's relationship with Cuba is important but that due to current developments Canada's image is at risk of being harmed in the eyes of the Cuban people.
Over the course of the convention delegates reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the Canada-Cuba solidarity movement and defeat the U.S. all-sided economic blockade of Cuba. Delegates also expressed their deep concern over the current state of Canada-Cuba relations resolving to do their utmost to ensure that relations remain based on the international norms of mutual respect and equality between nations. Therefore, given the escalation of the U.S. economic war against Cuba and the current uncertainty in Ottawa’s relations with Havana, a number of resolutions were adopted to guide the work of the CNC during 2019-2021.
Measures were adopted to stabilize and grow the Ernesto Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade in order to ensure its future success. Carrying on the fight against the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba, delegates adopted a resolution against the activation of Titles III & IV of the Helms-Burton Act aimed at mobilizing Canadian public and political opinion against the unabated U.S. policy of aggression against Cuba. Apprehensive about the present state of Canada-Cuba relations, they also passed a resolution calling on Ottawa to reopen visa services in the Canadian embassy in Havana. Among other resolutions adopted were those calling for actions to mark the 5th anniversary of the liberation of the Five Cuban Heroes and the 500th anniversary of the founding of the city of Havana. Additionally, resolutions were passed to support the following conferences: 8th Vancouver Che Guevara Conference, in Vancouver, October 25– 27, 2019; Hemispheric Anti-Imperialist Solidarity Conference for Democracy and Against Neo-Liberalism in Havana, November 1-3, 2019; and Cuba at 60: Current Challenges, Future Prospects, in Halifax, October 31-November 2, 2019. Delegates also reiterated the necessity to continue to strengthen the work with Members of Parliament and legislatures.
To pursue this mandate and initiatives a new seven-member executive was elected: Bronwyn Cragg, Nora Fernandez, Julio Fonseca, Tamara Hansen, Elizabeth Hill, Michael O’Neill and Isaac Saney. The CNC embarks on the next two years with the task of expanding solidarity and friendship with Cuba throughout Canadian society. The CNC reaffirms that the people of Cuba, whatever the changes in Ottawa’s relations with Havana, can continue to count on the ongoing and undiminished solidarity and friendship of the people of Canada. This solidarity and friendship are neither tenuous nor transitory but spring from the deeply rooted respect and admiration of Canadians for Cuba’s historic realization of its right to independence and self-determination: respect and admiration amplified by the what the Cuban people have been able to achieve while facing unceasing aggression from the United States. Out of this respect and admiration unbreakable ties of solidarity and friendship have been -- and continue to be -- forged between the peoples of Canada and Cuba.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Embassy of Cuba in Canada
Canada Parliament Hosts Symposium on Cuba
Ottawa, May 28, 2019 — On Tuesday morning, a Symposium on Cuba was held at the Federal Canadian Parliament, under the auspices of the Hon. Senator Ringuette Pierrette and T.J. Harvey, MP, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group, by initiative of the Canadian Network on Cuba.
The opening panel, made up by renowned scholars, namely, Isaac Saney, John Kirk and Julia Sagebien from Dalhaousie University, Halifax; and Professor Keith Ellis, from York University in Toronto, examined Cuba-Canada´s long-standing positive bilateral relations, current challenges and future prospects; as well as Cuba´s economy, society and foreign policy.
The second and last panel of the meeting focused on the nature of the Canadian trade relationship with Cuba, its importance for both countries, and the impact of the escalation of U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba on Canadian companies doing business with the island, particularly, after the activation of Title III and the threat to enact Title IV of the Helms Burton Act. Among the panelists were representatives of Canadian companies and organizations that maintain links with Cuba, including Sherritt International Corp. Acasta Capital, the National Bank of Canada, Gowling WLG international law firm, Air Transat and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Canada–Cuba.
The Honourable senators Ringuette Pierrette, Stan Kutcher, Beverley Busson and Diane Giffin; and members of Parliament Michel Picard, Anthony Rota and Fayçal El-Khoury, were in attendance.
Attending the Symposium in representation of the Embassy of Cuba in Ottawa were Ambassador Josefina Vidal, accompanied by other members of the diplomatic staff.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Dreaming in Miami
Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada
Published in Relations Cuba-US (Relaciones Cuba-EE.UU) as well as in Cuba Debate.
18 abril 2019 |
After three months of attempts and threats carried out on two stages – the State Department in Washington DC and in Miami – the yankee Administration finally announced what it intends to do to intensify its economic war against Cuba.
On April 17th, at a mid-morning brief ceremony lasting just a few minutes in the Washington DC, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made it known that they will fully implement Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. He did not offer any further explanations, although he said that as of May 2nd, “Cuban-Americans” will be able to file claims before the US courts against those who in any way use the properties that they claim were theirs or their families.
There were no questions and no text was available to answer questions that such a decision may have provoked among those who remember that for twenty-three years – Clinton, W. Bush, Obama and Trump himself – had adopted a position contrary to what is now being announced.
Official statements were immediately made by Spain, Canada, Mexico and the European Union who, in addition to protesting, warned that they will take the necessary measures to neutralize any attempt to harm their legitimate interests and recalled that they are capable of doing so, bearing in mind that there is no shortage of US investments in their countries.
The most notorious spectacle was reserved for Miami and John Bolton, National Security Advisor, who played the main role. His audience was the members of what remains of those who were part of the 2506 Brigade, that is, the remains of the invading group that 58 years ago was defeated by the Cuban people in 66 hours.
Bolton repeated what Pompeo said earlier regarding the lawsuits and also announced the re-imposition of severe restrictions on the travel of Cuban Americans to their country of origin and on the remittances they send to their families on the island, measures that were previously applied by W. Bush and generated the rejection of the vast majority of that community which has since reflected itself in the Miami-Dade County elections.
The Miami show was as pathetic as it was grotesque.
The old and tired veterans failed when they were young and organized by the CIA, and with the support of the U.S. armed forces, they went to Cuba to recover “their” estates, “their” factories and “their” mansions. Now Bolton promises them that the chimera will finally become a reality.
The show was summed up by Nicolás Gutierrez Castaño: “Not even in our most feverish dreams we could conceive that a U.S. government would do it. No one ever did. Forget Reagan. Forget Bush.”
Excited, the skillful managing lawyer of Helms-Burton believes the time has come to “recover” the large properties stolen by his great-grandfather.
An unabashed dreamer, Bolton, for his part, invited to make a toast to the Monroe Doctrine that, according to him, is alive and healthy.
Intoxicated, “celebrating” their fulminant defeat, the guests at the strange banquet applauded him with delirium.
It is time to wake them up.
April 19, 2019
Original source- http://www.cubadebate.
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