Port of Spain, Mar 10 (Prensa Latina) Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley today defended Cuba’s medical assistance and rejected accusations of alleged slave labor trafficking.
Speaking at the inauguration of facilities at the General Hospital in the capital, Rowley said that Trinidad and Tobago has long received medical assistance from countries such as India, the Philippines, Africa and especially Cuba, as part of its policy of cooperation with other nations.
The president said he was surprised when authorities from another country (referring to the United States) suddenly labeled them as slave labor traffickers, and he assured that as prime minister this had not happened because the payment conditions were the same as those of local personnel.
“I have just returned from California,” he said, “and even if I never go back there again in my lifetime, I will make sure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is respected by all.”
In a press release on February 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a visa restriction policy on the grounds of alleged labor trafficking, particularly in Cuban medical missions abroad.
United Nations, Mar 10 (Prensa Latina) Cuba, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, today denounced the humanitarian situation in Palestine, describing it as one of the most painful conflicts in modern history.
During the opening segment of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the Second Secretary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), Zonya Rivero, mentioned the unprecedented levels of violence, death and destruction in the Gaza Strip over the past 17 months.
The Cuban female leader lamented the tragic toll of more than 48,000 civilians killed and 110,000 wounded as a result of the Israeli aggression against Gaza.
“This brutal Israeli military aggression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the illegal colonial occupation of Palestinian lands continue to cause suffering and pain, while hindering the full enjoyment of human rights,” he warned.
The Second Secretary of the FMC also highlighted the disproportionate impact that the conflict has had on women and girls, who make up a large part of the fatal victims.
According to data from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rivero said, almost a third of the fatal victims are women.
She added that UN Women has raised the alarm about the health crisis facing women in the Gaza Strip, including pregnant women and new mothers.
The representative of Cuba reaffirmed the position of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter in its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its commitment to support women and girls who resist the occupation.
She also called on the international community to commit to fulfilling its obligations and not allow Palestinian women to suffer this unjust fate.
Rivero reiterated the Group’s deep concern over recent statements showing intentions to seize Gaza, forcibly displace the Palestinian people and promote Israeli annexation plans in the West Bank.
The Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter reaffirmed its commitment to support the Palestinian cause, achieve the independence of the State of Palestine and reach a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to this issue.
A two-state solution that would allow for the realization of the independence of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“The future of Palestinian women and girls, their comprehensive development and full respect for their sacred history and culture, as well as their central role in society, are an integral part of the foundations of the State of Palestine, vital to overcoming decades of relentless acts of violence, oppression and siege,” she argued.
“It is our common duty to honour the historic debt owed to Palestine and to fulfil its inalienable rights to self-determination and independence,” concluded Rivero López on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
Havana, Mar 10 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez spoke today with Ronald Ozzy, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, a nation where he began a working visit.
According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting between the two “the excellent state of bilateral political relations was confirmed.”
The notice states that Rodriguez and Ozzy expressed “the common interest in expanding and diversifying ties in the economic-commercial and cooperation fields.”
“The position of the two nations in defense of the causes and interests of the peoples, especially those of the nations of the South, was ratified,” he said.
The officials also discussed Cuba’s “support for South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel for genocide in Palestine before the International Court of Justice” and other issues of global interest.
The island’s foreign minister also thanked South Africa for its support for Cuba’s fight against the US economic blockade and its inclusion on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, drawn up unilaterally by the White House.
According to the text, Rodríguez will hold meetings with representatives of political forces that make up the Government Alliance.
“Cuba and South Africa are united by historical ties of brotherhood, forged by the historic leaders of both countries, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela,” he said.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on 11 May 1994, which was the first foreign policy act of the democratic South African Government.
Havana, Mar 9 (Prensa Latina) Cuba’s main labor organization today called for a nationwide celebration of May Day, International Workers’ Day.
The main celebration, according to the call of the Cuban Workers’ Union (CTC), will be in the Plaza de la Revolución José Martí, in Havana, with the motto “For Cuba, together we create.”
“We will reaffirm our firm conviction that the unity of the people, unconditional resistance and the will to perfect the common work will always be guarantees of victory,” the text states.
The call was presented this Sunday after voluntary work in the western province of Mayabeque, harvesting potatoes.
“Today, the country faces the growing hostility of an increasingly aggressive and arrogant empire, determined to ensure the prevalence of new neocolonial, fascist and terrorist expressions,” he said.
In response to these acts that violate international law, he added, “the workers, together with the people, maintain the unwavering decision to be faithful to the legacy of the heroes of the Cuban nation.”
He also urged “to continue the battle that successive generations of workers, peasants and students have waged to achieve freedom, independence and social justice.”
“In this challenging and complex context, of such great importance for the nation and humanity, the CTC and its unions call for a day of mobilization to celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1,” he reiterated.
With the contribution of everyone, especially the workers, he says, “we will advance in the programs that support the socioeconomic transformation and development of the country.”
It also states that “it is essential to maximize the productive reserves that we have in each sector and job position; to consolidate the powers granted to the Socialist State Enterprise and its linkage with the non-state sector.”
The celebration of May Day, he says, is framed within transcendental commemorations.
Among them, the 130th anniversary of the “beginning of the Necessary War led by our National Hero José Martí on February 24, 1895” and the “86th anniversary of the founding of the CTC” stand out.
“It will also be a special moment to pay tribute to our Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz,” he said.
Harare, Mar 9 (Prensa Latina) A large delegation from Zimbabwe traveled today to Cuba for the World Youth Summit (GYS-25) in Varadero, organized by the International Telecommunication Union and the Ministry of Communications of the island.
The important representation of this African nation is made up of a dozen executives and officials headed by the Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Dingumuzi Phuti, and the Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Gift Machengete.
The government of President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa has prioritized the promotion of the sector in its development plan until 2030 and, among other efforts, has begun the construction of a city called Cyber City and the program of young ambassadors with digital skills.
In line with the significance of these projections, Zimbabwe is represented at the GYS-25 forum, which has at its core the focus of discussions on amplifying youth voices in information and telecommunications technologies for a more inclusive and connected future.
The World Summit on Information and Communications Technology, which will be held in the Cuban resort town on March 11-13, is intended as a platform for young people around the world to share ideas and projections regarding information and communications technologies.
They will also discuss important elements such as digital empowerment of youth, cybersecurity, innovations in business models and the role and use of artificial intelligence, among other topics.
Washington, Mar 9 (Prensa Latina) Activists from the Los Angeles Hands Off Cuba Committee (Lahoc) reiterated their demand that the United States government lift the economic blockade that is causing so much harm to the Cuban people.
According to a statement sent to Prensa Latina, members of Lahoc raised their voices at a women’s march in which more than 35,000 people participated in that city of California, on March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Among the requests of the attendees, a predominantly female and young crowd that came out to defend abortion amid the current conservative policies of the Donald Trump administration, those in solidarity with Cuba reiterated the need to eliminate not only the economic but also the financial and commercial blockade that is trying to suffocate the island.
The text indicated that they also placed a table with informational material and a giant banner that read: “Let’s end the United States blockade of Cuba, let’s remove Cuba from the SSOT list (acronym in English for State Sponsors of Terrorism).”
During the march, the Lahoc team distributed 1,500 copies of a flyer titled “Women in Cuba: Revolution within the Revolution” that explains the achievements of women since 1959 and the new Family Code.
The young activists also sold books and buttons and registered for the delegation that will travel to the May Day activities on the island.
A significant part of the demonstration was a contingent of 500 workers from the Service Employees International Union, as well as groups of high school and university students, teachers, Palestinian and First Nations activists, and others.
Also in attendance were members of the National Organization for Women and the National Abortion Rights Action League.
“There were thousands of signs at the peaceful protest, all of which focused on defending women’s right to control their bodies and against Trump,” said Mark Friedman, a member of the International Association of Machinists.
Artemisa, Cuba, 7 mar (Prensa Latina) El presidente cubano, Miguel Díaz-Canel constató hoy aquí el progreso de programas económicos y sociales de esta occidental provincia como parte de sus recorridos por municipios del país, informó el noticiero de la televisión nacional.
El mandatario visitó los territorios de Guanajay, Alquízar y Candelaria, acompañado por el integrante del Buró Político y secretario de Organización del Partido Comunista, Roberto morales Ojeda.
En Guanajay, Díaz-Canel llegó a la Empresa Productora de Ómnibus, “Evelio Prieto Guillama”, entidad que prevé reparar un centenar de estos vehículos para el servicio urbano en la capital cubana, gracias a un donativo de la República Popular China.
De acuerdo con la fuente estos medios de transporte, rígidos y articulados, estarán listos para finales del presente año.
El mandatario conoció en esa entidad sobre otros proyectos de desarrollo en el transporte ferroviario, triciclos eléctricos y ensamblaje de ciclomotores, lo que se realiza encontrando alternativas a los problemas que se presentan.
Más adelante, el jefe de Estado visitó el barrio “la Taconera», que experimenta un proceso de transformación y mejoría de su infraestructura para beneficio de sus habitantes. Asimismo arribó al polo productivo «Primero de Enero” que dispone de 54 hectáreas para cultivos varios.
Por su parte en Alquízar,
Díaz-Canel dialogó con directivos y trabajadores de la Empresa Agropecuaria Municipal donde constató el avance en la entrega de tierras en usufructos para elevar la producción de viandas y vegetales en ese territorio.
En ese sitio el presidente cubano fue informado sobre el inicio este viernes de la cosecha de papa con la que se planea abastecer a la capital y la provincia.
Al término de su recorrido, el presidente de la República visitó en Candelaria entre otros lugares la finca ganadera de Yoandrys González con resultados en la cría de ganado mayor, porcino, equino y aves.
Lima, Mar 7 (Prensa Latina) The General Confederation of Workers of Peru (CGTP) today condemned the new measures taken by the United States against Cuba’s international medical cooperation and against the health care of millions on the island and around the world.
A statement from the CGTP states that the denial of visas to Cuban officials or private individuals from other countries who participate in medical cooperation agreements with the island is based on falsehoods and coercion.
“They intend to affect the health services of millions of people in Cuba and around the world, ignoring the enormous historical and charitable contribution that Cuba has made to humanity with its heroic ‘armies of white coats,'” the statement said.
He stressed that Cuban doctors have saved millions of lives in numerous countries, cooperation that, he noted, “fits in with the United Nations schemes for South-South cooperation and contributes to the well-being of other peoples, particularly the poorest nations.”
The union expresses its solidarity with the Cuban Workers’ Union (CTC) and the government of President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in the face of the new attack by the Donald Trump regime against Cuban medical cooperation.
He added that Cuba has trained tens of thousands of doctors and professionals from more than a hundred countries and, despite the difficult economic situation it faces due to the criminal blockade of the United States, it continues to provide solidarity to the peoples of the world. “Cuban doctors have written a dignified, heroic, glorious and internationalist history, known and recognized by prestigious international organizations, among which the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization stand out,” he said.
It evokes some of the missions of the Cuban brigades, such as the fight against Ebola in Africa, cholera in Haiti, against the aftermath of natural disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Venezuela, among other countries, and also against blindness due to cataracts in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kingstown, Mar 7 (Prensa Latina) The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, defended the Cuban health brigade program in the face of threats from the U.S. government, iWitness News reported today.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was announcing the expansion of an existing policy of restricting foreign government officials whose countries employ Cuban doctors and nurses.
“Maybe some people in Florida who are pushing do not fully understand what is happening, and when they receive the information, they will see that they are wrong,” Gonsalves said.
He explained that Caricom foreign ministers met to discuss the issue “and decided to gather all relevant information, and they are going to discuss the issue at the regional level, and they hope to have a meeting at some point in the not too distant future at an appropriate level with the U.S. government.”
Although Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a significant number of Cuban medical personnel compared to Jamaica and Guyana, their country pays Cuban professionals the same rate as its own professionals.
«It is said that Cuban professionals who are here under the agreement with the Cuban government, had to pay, I don’t know if it is 10 percent or 15 percent, whatever, of their salary to the Cuban government.
“But that doesn’t mean they are exploited. They get free education. And if they go abroad, earning money from that education, it’s not unreasonable for them to put something in the box so that more people can get educated,” he said.
In defending the presence of Cuban health personnel here, he referred to the Hemodialysis Unit at the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Complex, which is supervised by Cuban professionals.
“There are 60 people there on hemodialysis, 60 ordinary Saint Vincentians. They are receiving free hemodialysis, but the point I am going to make is that if the Cubans are not there, we may not be able to manage the service. Should I allow 60 people to die?” he said.
“I would rather lose my visa than have 60 poor and hard-working people die,” the prime minister said.
Today, the Association of Friendship with Cuba in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines denounced the intention of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to “demonize the assistance of Cuban medical personnel to underdeveloped nations” and described it as a “Cold War practice.”
“Cuba, the largest and most developed of the Caribbean chain, is a sister nation of the Caribbean that has long demonstrated its willingness to share its human resources capital not only with the rest of the region, but also with Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia,” he said.
Camagüey, Cuba, Mar 7 (Prensa Latina) Camagüey, one of the most emblematic regions of Cuba, is not only known today for its labyrinthine streets and rich culture, but also for being the birthplace of extraordinary women.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, it is appropriate to remember the legacy of those who left an indelible mark on the history, literature and struggle for independence of the island.
Figures such as Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, Amalia Simoni, and Ana Betancourt represent the courage, intelligence, and commitment of Camagüey women to freedom and justice.
Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda: the literary voice that transcended borders
Born in Camagüey in 1814, Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, known as “La Avellaneda”, is one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century in the Spanish-speaking world.
Her work, which includes poetry, novels and theatre, was not only notable for its artistic quality, but also for its commitment to social issues such as the abolition of slavery and women’s rights.
In her novel Sab (1841), La Avellaneda addressed the issue of slavery from a humanist perspective, becoming one of the first abolitionist voices in Cuban literature. In addition, her life and work challenged the conventions of her time, vindicating the role of women in society and culture.
Amalia Simoni: love and the fight for the homeland
Amalia Simoni, wife of the independence leader Ignacio Agramonte, is a symbol of resistance and patriotism.
Born in 1842, her life was marked by sacrifice and dedication to the independence cause. After Agramonte’s death in 1873, Amalia continued to support the struggle from exile, becoming an example of strength and commitment.
Her correspondence with Agramonte is a moving testimony to the love and shared struggle for Cuba’s freedom. In one of her letters, Amalia wrote: “I do not cry for you, who have died for the homeland; I cry for myself, who have not been able to follow you.”
These words reflect not only her pain, but also her firm conviction in the ideals for which her husband gave his life.
Ana Betancourt: pioneer of female emancipation
One of the most inspiring episodes in Cuban history occurred in 1869, during the Guáimaro Assembly, when Ana Betancourt stood up to demand the emancipation of women.
At a time when women lacked political and social rights, Ana signed her position towards women. Her position was a call for inclusion and recognition of the role of women in the construction of a free and just Cuba.
Ana Betancourt not only fought for Cuba’s independence, but also laid the groundwork for the feminist movement on the island. Her legacy remains a source of inspiration for later generations.
The legacy of Camagüey women
Women from Camagüey, such as Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, Amalia Simoni and Ana Betancourt, represent the best of Cuban history and culture. Their contribution to literature, the independence struggle and the vindication of women’s rights is a testament to the transformative power of women in society.
In a world where women’s voices were often silenced, these women from Camagüey stood up firmly to defend their ideals and fight for a better future.
His legacy belongs not only to Camagüey or Cuba, but to all of Latin America, as a reminder that equality, justice and freedom are causes that require the effort of everyone.
