Havana, October 17 (RHC) — Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has advocated for a new international order that is fair and democratic, which guarantees the balance of the world and the exercise of the right to development.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the foreign minister stressed on the social network X the need for a new order that provides the common good and prosperity of all peoples.
Bruno Rodriguez reported through the social network that 8.4% of the world’s population, some 670 million people, live in extreme poverty.
The commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty dates back to October 17, 1987.
On that day, more than 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadero square in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights had been signed in 1948, to pay tribute to the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. (Source:Prensa Latina)
Havana, October 16 (RHC)– President Miguel Díaz-Canel reiterated today through his account on X, Cuba’s commitment to food sovereignty, and thanked the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
On the social network X, the president highlighted the celebration this Wednesday of World Food Day, and praised his nation’s efforts in that field, in the midst of the cruelest blockade of the United States, supported by science and innovation and with the contribution of all economic actors.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced today on X that Washington’s blockade causes serious damage to the food of the Cuban population, in its persistent interest in depriving the people of that right. He further commented that such a policy applied continuously for more than six decades — only between the years 2023 and 2024 — caused damages of more than 441 million dollars to the Cuban agri-food sector.
Every October 16, the founding of the FAO is remembered, in 1945, when representatives of 42 countries met in Quebec, Canada, with the aim of freeing humanity from malnutrition and hunger.
Currently, nearly 733 million citizens do not even have access to basic foods. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, Oct 17 (RHC) The Venezuela-Cuba Business Opportunities Forum takes place today in Caracas, with the aim of promoting the presence of Venezuelan products and services at the upcoming Havana International Fair (FIHAV).
The meeting is attended by representatives from the Venezuelan government, including the Bank for Foreign Trade, Business, and Export Promotion. Diplomats from both countries will also be present.
The forum is part of a series of events organized by the diplomatic mission to celebrate the 40th anniversary of FIHAV.
Rubén Ramos, head of the Commercial Economic Office of the Embassy in Havana, noted that FIHAV will be held from November 4 to 9. He also mentioned the development of business forums with representatives from several Venezuelan states, including Anzoátegui, Carabobo, Aragua, and Portuguesa.
Ramos emphasized that Venezuela’s participation at the fair is very important, since the South American country is one of Cuba’s main economic partners.
The Venezuela-Cuba Business Opportunities Forum includes a presentation on trade opportunities and general information about the program for the Havana Fair.
Some activities organized between the Venezuelan delegation and their Cuban counterparts include an investment forum on November 5-6, the celebration of Venezuela’s National Day, and a business forum with face-to-face meetings. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, October 16 (RHC)– Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said today that the U.S. blockade of Cuba causes serious damage to the food supply of the population of the Caribbean island.
“The U.S. government insists on depriving the people of their right to food,” wrote the foreign minister on the social network X on Wednesday, precisely when World Food Day is celebrated.
“Four months of blockade are equivalent to financing to guarantee the standard family basket for one year,” added Rodríguez.
According to Cuba’s top diplomat, this policy applied continuously by U.S. administration for more than six decades — only between the years 2023 and 2024 — “caused damages of more than 441 million dollars to the Cuban agri-food sector.”
Every October 16th, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is commemorate. The FAO was formed in on this date in 1945, when representatives from 42 countries met in Quebec, Canada, with the goal of freeing humanity from hunger.
The date urges developed countries in particular to work to eradicate malnutrition and hunger, although according to UN reports, currently nearly 733 million citizens do not even have access to basic foodstuffs.
Chilean solidarity movement demands the end of US blockade against Cuba
Havana, Oct 14 (RHC) The Solidarity Movement for Cuba in Chile has published a statement demanding that the United States immediately lift the economic, commercial, and financial blockade and other measures against the Caribbean nation.
The group, with representation in all regions of South America, has assured that these policies imposed by Washington over the past six decades have had a negative impact on the population and economy of the largest island in the Antilles.
Among other things, they affect access to food, medicine, and basic services for families, which worsens people’s living conditions.
According to a report by Cuba on Resolution 78/7 of the UN General Assembly, it is estimated that if the blockade were lifted, the gross domestic product at current prices would grow by about 8% in 2023.
In addition, the blockade has led to a significant decrease in food production due to restrictions on access to foreign exchange, raw materials, fertilizer, and other inputs.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the island on the list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism has caused the cancellation of trade operations and investment projects.
The declaration against the blockade by the Solidarity Movement calls on the international community to join in opposition and support the Cuban people’s right to develop their economic and social system. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Cuba was the largest commercial market for U.S. long grain rice exports prior to the Cuban revolution and the U.S. Trade Embargo that followed, according to USDA Economic Research Service analysts. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Increased trade only strengthens economic ties between the U.S. and Cuba but also plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges on the island, according to USA Rice.
U.S. merchants shipped 1,125 metric tons of rice to Cuba in 2023. Considering that Cuba imports around 600,000 to 700,000 metric tons of rice per year, that may not seem like much of an accomplishment.
But it’s a 500% increase from the total of U.S. rice shipped to Cuba in 2022, and, considering the hoops Cuba’s grain buyers must jump through to buy the U.S. product, it’s a small miracle. It hasn’t always been like that.
“Cuba was the largest commercial market for U.S. long grain rice exports prior to the Revolution (and the U.S. Trade Embargo that followed),” according to USDA Economic Research Service analysts. “It often took more than half of U.S. long grain sales and almost one-third of total U.S. rice exports.”
Trying to build on that 2023 total – and the 861 metric tons of rice the U.S. shipped to Cuba from January to July of this year – was among the topics in a recent virtual briefing held by the Alliance for Cuban Engagement and Respect (ACERE), entitled “U.S.-Cuba Cooperation on Food and Climate Security: Opportunities for Growth.”
Cuba shipments
One of the five panelists for the briefing was Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director for international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, who provided insights into the U.S. rice industry perspectives on trade and collaboration with Cuba.
In the early 2000s, the U.S. rice industry experienced a brief resurgence in rice shipments to Cuba. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 allowed the sale of food and medicine to Cuba despite the trade embargo. The U.S. shipped 160,000 tons of rice to Cuba in 2004, the largest amount in decades.
But the sales dropped almost to zero in 2008 when the U.S. government began requiring Cuba to pay for the shipments before the ships left port rather than using conventional letters of credit. Grigsby emphasized the challenges U.S. rice exporters face due to such trade restrictions.
“U.S. rice industry members remain committed to exploring opportunities for growth, even in the face of a challenging political environment,” she said. “Increased trade, particularly in essential commodities like rice, not only strengthens economic ties between the U.S. and Cuba but also plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges on the island.”
The Cuban economy has suffered from hurricane damages and a significant decline in U.S. tourism due to travel restrictions. Speakers at the ACERE event said bilateral cooperation could improve climate resilience and food security on the island.
Calls to action
The webinar concluded with several key calls to action for those seeking to advance U.S.-Cuba cooperation on food and climate security. Participants were urged to contact the White House and State Department to advocate for Cuba’s removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, push for expanded operations at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and encourage Senate support for the bipartisan Freedom to Export to Cuba Act (S. 653), which aims to lift the U.S. trade embargo and foster stronger bilateral ties.
The event was in sharp contrast to another attended by representatives of both the USA Rice Federation and the U.S. Rice Producers Association along with U.S. rice exporting companies – the first-ever International Rice Expo-Convention in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The two-day meeting was hosted by the Central American Rice Federation or FECARROZ. It included educational sessions covering a variety of critical topics such as the effects of climate change on rice production and a reflection on the 20-year anniversary of the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.
USA Rice facilitated a session on rice quality in Central America by University of Arkansas agricultural economist Alvaro Durand-Morat who also provided a brief overview of the 2024 U.S. rice crop.
U.S. Rice Producers Association board member Dennis Delaughter discussed the outlook for the U.S. and world rice markets. U.S. chefs sponsored by both organizations gave cooking demonstrations featuring U.S. rice.
Forrest Laws spent 10 years with The Memphis Press-Scimitar before joining Delta Farm Press in 1980. He has written extensively on farm production practices, crop marketing,
Havana, October 15 (RHC) — Thousands of Havana residents, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, staged a march on Monday in solidarity with the peoples of Palestine and Lebanon who are suffering genocide by Zionist forces.
The route between the Fragua Martiana and the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, on the Malecón, was marked by signs, songs, slogans and a large human flag of Palestine, a symbol of the lives massacred by the State of Israel, among other initiatives with which Cubans reiterated their call for an immediate end to the escalation of violence unleashed in the Middle East.
Meyvis Estévez Echeverría, first secretary of the National Committee of the Union of Young Communists (UJC), said that the crime that has so far taken the lives of more than 40 thousand people and entire families buried under irrational hatred cannot be erased from memory.
She condemned the hypocrisy of U.S. imperialism that acts as an accomplice to barbarism of such proportions and considers itself morally superior to keep Cuba on its list of supposed state sponsors of terrorism.
“From this island we defend the right of the Palestinians and of all the peoples of the world to live with dignity and we reaffirm the political will and commitment of the Cuban State to peace, cooperation and respect for the sovereignty of nations,” added the youth leader.During the event, which was attended by the country’s top leadership, Palestinian students also spoke, expressing through their art and oratory their desire not to renounce their homeland and their infinite gratitude to Cuba.
Omayma Alkhawaga, a Palestinian doctor who graduated on the island, agreed with these positions and emphasized that the solidarity of the Caribbean nation is unparalleled in the world.
“Once again, Cubans have risen to support a just cause, as they have done in the past with so many others, and to raise the message that Palestine is not alone,” she concluded. (Source: ACN)
Havana, October 16 (RHC)– Cuba today remembers the self-defense plea of the young lawyer Fidel Castro in the trial for the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks, 71 years ago, known as “History Will Absolve Me.”
On July 26, 1953, the revolutionary leader led the attempt to take over those two military fortresses in eastern Cuba, which marked the beginning of the armed struggle against the tyranny of Fulgencio Batista (1952-1959).
By assuming his defense in the criminal proceedings for these events, Fidel Castro became the accuser of the dictatorship and denounced the crimes against the people of the island, and the cold-blooded murder of some 50 young people who had been captured in the action.
“There was no killing for a minute, an hour or a whole day, but for a whole week; the beatings, the torture, the throwing from rooftops and the shooting did not cease for an instant, as an instrument of extermination handled by perfect artisans of crime,” he said.
“The Moncada barracks became a workshop of torture and death, and unworthy men turned the military uniform into butchers’ aprons,” he added.
The speech, later printed for clandestine dissemination under the title HISTORY WILL ABSOLVE ME, was the presentation of the political agenda of the new stage of struggle against the Batista dictatorship.
The text pointed out the ills of Cuba at that time, summarized in six fundamental problems: land, industrialization, housing, unemployment, education and health, and they were part of the program of transformations of the revolution that triumphed on January 1, 1959.
Referring to the document, from the prison on the Isle of Pines, where he was confined, Fidel Castro wrote: “Its importance is decisive; it contains our program and ideology, without which it is not possible to think of anything great.”
In addition, the full denunciation of the crimes that have not yet been sufficiently disclosed is the first duty we have to those who died, he noted. (Source: Prensa Latina)
President Maduro during his programm, “Con Maduro+”, October 14, 2024 Photo: VTV
Caracas, October 15 (RHC)– The president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, on his program “Con Maduro+”, expressed his support for the countries of the Caribbean, in its demand that London recognize and pay for the historic reparations due to the peoples and communities who were displaced from Africa, through torture and kidnapping.
The Venezuelan head of state also announced that Venezuela will submit a claim to Spain. “Venezuela will activate a legal claim for Spain to answer for the theft and looting of our lands.”
“The people seek justice and recognition for the horrors of the past and represent a joint effort by the Caribbean nations to obtain reparations for the historical crimes committed during slavery,” said President Maduro.
So far, a total of 15 Caribbean governments have agreed to ask the UK for billions of pounds as compensation for the slave trade.
A report by the University of the West Indies, published following a symposium by the American Society for International Law, concludes that the United Kingdom must pay $24 billion (£18.8 billion) in reparations for transatlantic slavery in 14 countries. Of this amount, about $9.6 billion is for Jamaica, according to the National Commission on African-American Reparations.
In related news, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, declared during the celebrations for emancipation from slavery last summer that when nations come together in Samoa “Caribbean leaders will speak very strongly to the Commonwealth as one voice. And there is one country in particular with a new King and a Labour government with an outstanding term.”
The Cuban Vice Prime Minister held a meeting with the members of the island’s embassy in Rome, in the context of his participation in the 4th World Food Forum
Havana, Oct 15 (RHC) The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today maintains firm support for Cuba’s development plans in these sectors, as stressed in Rome by the island’s Deputy Prime Minister Jorge Luis Tapia.
The senior Cuban official, who heads a delegation participating in the 4th World Food Forum convened by FAO, held a meeting at the headquarters of the Cuban Embassy in Rome with its members, with whom he discussed various issues, mainly about the Cuban presence at the event.
Tapia highlighted the meeting he held with the Director-General of FAO, Qu Dongyu, who reaffirmed the willingness to continue supporting the Caribbean country with initiatives aimed at increasing financing, the training of specialists, and the promotion of investments.
FAO’s support was requested to conduct an agricultural census in Cuba as it is necessary to evaluate issues such as the labor force, population aging and rural-urban migration.
According to Tapia, the UN organization appreciates Cuba’s efforts to consolidate its project with a positive agricultural development model, important scientific and technical advances, the application of technologies, and real possibilities of meeting the objectives. (Source: Prensa Latina)
