About half a million dollars were raised in the United States, earmarked for solar panels and related equipment, to be donated to Cuban hospitals. While their purchase and shipment to the largest of the Antilles could have been done directly, it was not possible due to the sanctions imposed by the blockade.
This was reported on Thursday, in a conversation with the press, by Manolo De los Santos, leader of The People’s Forum, and a member of the Our America to Cuba Convoy, which brings together nearly 500 people from more than 30 countries, representing popular, progressive, revolutionary, leftist, and humanist forces, and is bringing approximately 20 tons of aid to the island.
"We’ve come not only with a shipment of aid—which is necessary, such as food and medicine for children with cancer, things that the blockade specifically prevents the Cuban government from purchasing freely—but I believe the most important thing we’re bringing is the desire to stand with the people during this very difficult time," he asserted, knowing that, "if we turn our backs on Cuba, we would be turning our backs on humanity."
For her part, Italian MEP Ilaria Salis emphasized that her country votes every year at the UN in favor of lifting the blockade against "this nation that resists fierce imperialism." So being here is also a way to reaffirm that position, which is that of her people.
On the other hand, she noted that being part of the Convoy has not been without blackmail and threats, such as the fact that many had their U.S. visas canceled. Nevertheless, her decision has been firm.
This is the first time that MEP Emma Fourreau has visited Cuba. For her, she said, it is a duty and an honor, because the Cuban Revolution and solidarity are an inspiration to the world. "In the face of imperialism, the answer is friendship and solidarity," she affirmed.
The consequences of choosing a path different from that of the empire have been evident in recent days, both inside and outside hospitals and other social institutions, stated MEP Marc Botenga. Due to the criminal nature of the blockade, "what is happening now in Cuba is not limited to Cuba. It is something much deeper. It concerns the very foundations of the world we want. What kind of world order do we desire?" he asked.
"Do we accept a world order that, essentially, takes us back to the days of traditional colonialism? It is unacceptable," he stated, "because that would destroy ‘the hope for a different society.’ Cuba has shown us, in various areas—and healthcare is undoubtedly one of the best examples—that through political decisions, a different society can be created."
The name of the Convoy, explained David Adler, coordinator of the Progressive International and one of the organizers of this solidarity initiative, is derived from that seminal work by José Martí, which reminds us that this region belongs to its peoples, not to the Yankee empire.
He further noted that the objective of "Our America to Cuba" is also to reaffirm international solidarity with the country’s struggle for self-determination, the most sacred principle of international law.
"We are dozens and dozens of delegates, but we represent millions of people in this convoy," he noted, "and we are also here to forge an international front of solidarity with Cuba."
In that regard, he announced that a small flotilla of three ships carrying more solidarity aid for the largest of the Antilles is expected to arrive, and he called for participation in the events on March 21th, when the International Day of Solidarity with Cuba will be celebrated.
