The women of Camagüey: pillars of Cuban history

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

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.

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US: Orphaned Programs for Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela?

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Washington, Mar 6 (Prensa Latina) The United States government decided today to cancel programs used for its so-called “promotion of democracy” in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, but in reality it will leave those objectives that have accompanied its foreign policy for years orphaned.

According to information released on Thursday, the measure is the result of a review by the State Department which concluded that the projects did not respond to the “national interest” of the United States.

Among those included in the cuts are the International Republican Institute (IRI), which lost most of its programs funded by the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as the National Democratic Institute.

The so-called independent press in Cuba has also received a coup de grace, as the Trump administration has called certain aid programs unnecessary, including a $1.5 million subsidy from the American taxpayer’s pocket, supposedly intended to strengthen journalism on the island.

During a Senate hearing Wednesday examining the advancement of U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, Florida Sen. Rick Scott invoked some current views on foreign aid among Trump administration officials.

It turns out that they are asking how the money spent on programs in the countries mentioned above that are primarily aimed at regime change can be justified if in the end it is not achieved.

Scott admitted that he cannot get “excited” about the funds spent on “foreign aid because something could happen” (the change that never came). Although he said it in different words, at the end of the day the governments of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua are still standing.

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Cuban President Receives Ambassadors from Arab and Islamic Countries

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Havana, Mar 6 (Prensa Latina) President Miguel Díaz-Canel received today at the Palace of the Revolution the ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries accredited in Cuba in the context of the holy month of Ramadan.

For the second consecutive year, the president greeted representatives of that diplomatic corps, on the occasion of the iftar ceremony or celebration of breaking the fast, according to a report by Cuban television’s Noticiero Estelar.

The meeting, which highlighted the excellent level of bilateral ties, was attended by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, and senior officials from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The authorities of the Caribbean island conveyed to those present their best wishes for well-being and prosperity, a gesture that was appreciated by the dean of that diplomatic corps, the ambassador of Yemen, Mohamed Saleh Nasher.

The head of the Yemeni embassy told the presidential press that Ramadan is a holy month of blessings and an opportunity to strengthen solidarity, cooperation and tolerance among Arab countries.

He also highlighted the role that Cuba plays in supporting just causes, mainly that of the Palestinian people. He also ratified the position of that community of nations against the blockade and the inclusion of the island in the US list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism.

The Arab world highly values ​​the role that Cuba plays in supporting peace and international justice and we strengthen mutual cooperation in all areas, said the Yemeni diplomat.

At another point during the meeting at the Cuban executive headquarters, the ambassadors presented the president with a traditional sword that represents the struggles of their people against colonialism, as a token of gratitude for the good level of bilateral relations, the news report said.

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Tanzanian President Receives Cuban Parliament Leader

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Dar es Salaam, Mar 6 (Prensa Latina) The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, received today in this capital the leader of the Cuban parliament, Esteban Lazo, at the close of his visit to that East African country.

The president of the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP, parliament) conveyed greetings from the leader of the Cuban revolution, Army General Raúl Castro, and from President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

For his part, Suluhu Hassan ratified Tanzania’s condemnation of the United States blockade of Cuba and sent fraternal greetings to the highest authorities of the Caribbean nation, in a meeting that aimed to continue strengthening mutual ties, according to a report by Cuban television.

The President stressed that the excellent bilateral relationship between Cuba and Tanzania represents the legacy of brotherhood between their historical leaders, Fidel Castro and Julius Nyerere.

The ANPP president held official talks with his Tanzanian counterpart and member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Tulia Ackson, whom he congratulated on this latest responsibility.

Ackson, for his part, valued the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen ties between both parliaments, and thanked Cuba for its historic solidarity with the Tanzanian people and the cooperation provided by the Greater Antilles to several countries on the continent.

The head of the Inter-Parliamentary Union strongly condemned the US blockade of the island and reiterated Tanzania’s support for the international struggle to eliminate this policy.

The President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba also held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of East Africa, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and other Tanzanian political figures.

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Peru: Cubans against US boycott of their country’s medical cooperation

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Lima, Mar 5 (Prensa Latina) Cubans living in Peru described the suspension of visas for those linked to Cuban cooperation programs as a new attack against their country by the Donald Trump regime.

This is what the Association of Cuban Residents in Peru, “Raíces Mambisas,” stated in a statement rejecting the measure and pointing out that it is the seventh aggression against Cuba with increasingly serious decisions.

The text demands the cessation of all arbitrary and illegal actions by the United States government that so harm the Cuban people and their right to sovereignty.

It reviews the historic international solidarity of Cuban medical brigades, which began in 1963 with their first mission in Algeria and have acted in Peru since 1970, in the face of earthquakes and epidemics.

“Our dignified and heroic ‘White Coats’ have been present in countries that need support and hope for life, where the right to health has never existed before,” adds the statement from the Cuban migrants, which also highlights the training of thousands of Latin American doctors who are returning to serve their people.

He notes that, due to their altruistic action, the Cuban medical brigades have earned recognition from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

It also highlights the Washington government’s prohibition on exchanges between American and Cuban scientists, creators of the vaccines against Covid-19 that protected millions of Cubans from the disease.

“We denounce before the world the arbitrary and illegal measures imposed on Cuba by the United States and demand that the permanent aggressions of the current US administration that so harm the Cuban people be stopped,” adds the Association of Cuban Residents in Peru “Raíces Mambisas.”

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Cuba received a new donation of medicines from India

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Havana, Mar 5 (Prensa Latina) Indian Ambassador Armstrong Changsan received and delivered to Cuban authorities today the third shipment of medicines donated by the Indian government and people in a gesture of solidarity.

“I am happy that India can assist Cuba in these critical times, especially with the donation of medicines among other products,” Ambassador Armstrong Changsan told Prensa Latina.

“As you may know, India is the so-called Pharmacy of the World as it produces huge quantities of medicines and vaccines, which it supplies to the entire world,” said the Head of Mission.

This is the third of four such donations from the Indian government. The first arrived by air in January – as did this one – while the second and fourth are coming by ship because they are very large, Ambassador Changsan explained.

Those arriving by sea will do so in April and May, respectively, the diplomat said.

This shipment contains, among others, medications for circulation, such as Heparin, anesthetics (Profosol), antibiotics (Ceftriaxone), corticosteroids (Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone), ampules of Magnesia Sulfate, Tranexamic Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate.

Following the arrival of the first donation of medicines in January, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian gesture and described it as “an example of the friendship between the two nations.” The shipment included antibiotics, antipyretics, analgesics, oral solutions and muscle relaxants, destined for the provinces affected by the passage of Hurricane Rafael last November.

In June 2024, Indian authorities also sent 90 tonnes of nine active pharmaceutical ingredients to Cuba, for the production of essential antibiotics, valued at 10 million euros.

The shipment was delivered to one of the laboratories of the BioCubaFarma Group, for the manufacture of medicines demanded by the population of the Island, such as Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Cefixime in capsules and suspension; injectable drugs such as Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime and Ceftazidime, with a coverage of six to 12 months.

Changsan took the opportunity to say that “the donation is an example of the brotherhood between the two nations over six decades, based on respect and shared views on economic and political matters.”

Cuba has maintained diplomatic ties with India for 65 years. India is one of the first Asian nations to recognise and establish ties with the Cuban state after the revolutionary victory of 1959.

At the ceremony for the anniversary of these bilateral ties (officialized on January 12, 1960), Ambassador Changsan highlighted the cooperation and friendship that has characterized these six and a half decades.

The Head of Mission said at the time: “We value our strong bilateral relationship and look forward to continuing to work together to address common challenges and explore new avenues of cooperation in the years ahead.”

India is one of Cuba’s top 20 trading partners, and among the $32 million in exports in the 2023-2024 period, pharmaceutical and chemical products predominate, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce of that South Asian nation.

In addition to bilateral agreements in various fields, New Delhi has granted Cuba significant lines of credit for the implementation of projects in the agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

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Alliance between historic leaders of Cuba and Venezuela is highlighted

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Havana, Mar 5 (Prensa Latina) The first vice president of ICAP, Noemí Rabaza, considered today that the affinity of ideas between the historical leaders of the Bolivarian Revolution, Hugo Chávez, and the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, gave rise to an indestructible Latin American alliance.

“Chávez and Fidel are two giants who share the same path,” Rabaza said in a tribute to the Venezuelan politician at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his death.

“Having been recognized by the solidarity of the world as the Day of Latin American and Caribbean Dignity, his voice continues to resonate in every struggle, in every neighborhood that resists,” he said.

Alongside him, he stressed, is the immortal example of Fidel, beacon of the Cuban Revolution and architect of the links “between two peoples who decided to write their histories with letters of dignity.”

According to him, on his way, Chavez “found in Cuba not only an ally, but a mirror, because Fidel, with his audacity and vision, had already shown that a small Caribbean country could challenge the empire of history, and win.”

He also recalled the embrace that marked the beginning of the meeting between the two leaders in 1994, when Chavez arrived in Havana and Fidel received him in the rain, “without protocol, as one receives a brother.”

Since then, he commented, “Cuba and Venezuela share challenges and dreams.”

Our solidarity is the pulse of Revolutions that understood that true independence is built with education and health for all, with the certainty that no child should beg for justice, with the full emancipation of men and women, he said.

He also denounced that Venezuela and Cuba are victims of economic blockades and illegal sanctions imposed by the United States authorities, and of media attacks and sabotages orchestrated from US territory.

The empire cannot stand that we exist, that Cuba, despite everything, shows that science and humanism are more powerful weapons than missiles; it cannot stand that Venezuela, harassed and sabotaged, continues to raise social missions, he said.

They attack us, he said, because we are proof that another America is possible, “where the poor are not condemned to be poor, where the country belongs to those who work for it and where the flag of sovereignty is not negotiable.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Venezuelan ambassador to Cuba, Orlando Maneiro, who in a brief speech outlined Chavez’s career and described it as everlasting for Venezuela and the just causes of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Also participating were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodríguez, other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government and the Communist Party of Cuba, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Havana and members of various institutions.

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President Díaz-Canel highlights Cuba’s foreign policy

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Havana, March 4 (RHC) — The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, highlighted this Monday the performance of the island’s foreign policy, and urged its diplomats to continue activism and support for just causes throughout the world.

During the annual review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex), the president called on the representatives of that portfolio to be tireless champions in the defense of the concept of solidarity in international relations.

The meeting that examined the work of the organization in 2024 was also attended by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the head of Cuban diplomacy, Bruno Rodríguez, and other government leaders.

The participants in the meeting, held at the Palace of the Revolution, reviewed results and challenges in the management of the Minrex for 2025, among which are remaining faithful to the principles of the foreign policy of the Revolution and committed to the diplomacy of its people.

They highlighted that in 2024 the Caribbean island achieved another resounding victory at the United Nations in the fight against the blockade imposed by the United States, and the incorporation as a partner country of the Brics group (acronym of its founders, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

“The strengthening of diplomatic and political relations, progress in consolidating the economic link with an important group of nations and activism in international forums, are among the merits of the Cuban foreign service,” they said.

They also valued that 2025 will bring transformations to the Minrex’s work systems, the application of a comprehensive and more proactive approach in supporting national economic management, from the more than 140 diplomatic missions that the Antillean island has.

The analysis among the diplomats put into context the priority of relations with the United States, marked by the increase in aggressiveness on the part of the new White House administration.

Washington is betting on dismantling and eroding previously reached bilateral agreements, which poses greater challenges in confronting the economic, commercial and financial siege of the United States.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of increasing ties with immigration, especially those residing in the northern nation, who are subjected to a campaign of harassment that causes a negative impact on those who want a better relationship with their homeland.

(Source: Prensa Latina)

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Zimbabwe, Cuba advocate for strengthening parliamentary ties

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Harare, Mar 4 (Prensa Latina) Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of Zimbabwe’s National Assembly, and Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of Cuba’s National People’s Power Assembly (ANPP) and the Council of State, advocated on Tuesday for strengthening bilateral legislative ties.

On the last day of his official visit to this nation, Mudenda showed his Cuban guest the new Parliament headquarters on a tour of several meeting halls.

The two leaders exchanged experiences on the work of their respective parliaments and planned new actions to strengthen legislative links.

Lazo thanked his counterpart for the gesture and highlighted the results of his visit, during which President Emmerson Mnangagwa received him.

Mnangagwa reiterated the rejection of the US blockade and Cuba’s inclusion in Washington’s State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list.

The Cuban ANPP president expressed his opposition to the unilateral coercive measures also imposed on Zimbabwe.

Cuban Ambassador to Zimbabwe Susellys Perez Mesa, Jose Ramon Monteagudo, member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), and Fernando Gonzalez, Hero of the Republic and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) accompanied Lazo during this visit.

The visit included a tribute to the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, before the monument built in the street named after him.

Lazo and his entourage also visited the Museum of African Liberation and led a solidarity act on the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations.

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US continues subversive programs against Cuba, FM asserts

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Anthony Brenner

Havana, Mar 4 (Prensa Latina) Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said today that despite cuts in USAID funds, its interim administrator, US Secretary of State Marcos Rubio, uses taxpayers’ money in subversive plans against Cuba.

“While the US government announces a 90% cut in #USAID funds for more than 54 billion usd, its interim administrator, in line with his corrupt personal agenda, chooses to use taxpayers’ money in subversive programs against Cuba and not in international development,” Rodriguez stressed on the X social network.

In recent days, the top Cuban diplomat revealed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) invested more than 120 million dollars to subvert the constitutional order in Cuba.

In this regard, the foreign minister described as unusual that an official development agency should use money to support a change of government and enrich those who see a business in the suffering of the Cuban people.

The Cuban Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, stated that the current US government’s declared policy is aggressive.

They themselves have said that their purpose is to continue putting economic pressure on Cuba, to continue creating difficulties for the Cuban economy and thus cause greater hardships, greater problems for the well-being of the Cubans, for the living conditions in the country’, warned the deputy foreign minister in an interview granted to Prensa Latina.

According to the diplomat, ‘it remains to be seen exactly what they are going to do, but one should not be surprised that they have the will and the capacity to continue punishing the Cuban population as a whole on the basis of coercive economic measures’.

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