Aberdeen stands with Cuba against US imperialism

Members of Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) and the North East Morning Star Readers and Supporters Group along with comrades and community activists stood in solidarity with Cuba on Saturday 21 March as part of a global day of action, called by Cuba Solidarity Campaign.

It marked the day that the Nuestra América Convoy for Cuba arrived in Havana carrying humanitarian aid and formed one part of an International Caravan against the tightening of the US blockade, to speak out against the collective punishment of the Cuban people by the Trump administration.

Activists gathered in St Nicholas Square giving out leaflets and encouraging passers-by to donate to Cuba Vive – Let Cuba Live – which provides medical and humanitarian aid to Cuba. £60 was passed on to Cuba Vive as a result. 

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Kate Ramsden, ATUC joint-secretary said: “At a time when US sanctions are ratcheting up the pressure on Cuba, visible solidarity from around the world matters more than ever. We will be one of many solidarity actions across Scotland, the UK and the world to show that Cuba is not alone.

“ATUC and many of its affiliates have always stood four square with Cuba and against an inhumane and illegal US blockade. This is another example of US imperialism. Cuba is no threat to the US except in the values it espouses.”

From left: Simon, Kate, Nina,
Cathal and Lauren

She warned: “Aberdonians know how critical the oil is which we pump to the rest of the world. For the US to blockade a poor country from having access to oil creates a devastating Trump-made tragedy."

ATUC Youth Officer and Chair of the local Communist Party branch Cathal Ó Gaillín added: “We're proud to be able to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and their revolution to help raise vital funds to counteract the brutal American blockade. 

“Despite the 60 years of blockade, the Cuban revolution has stood as a shining light of what is possible when a country is run by and for the working people - with more teachers and doctors per capita than Britain, being one of the few countries to reach the UN millennium development goals and with a dedication to the youth through schooling, healthcare and access to high quality jobs.

“Their example reminds us in Aberdeen that another path is possible than war and austerity”.