The Coalition for Solidarity with Cuba announces a Thank You Walk and Rally for the Cuban Medical Brigade at 4:00 PM, this coming Sunday, April 12, followed by an evening of films, discussion and refreshments at the Guerrilla Nanobrewery at 216 Charlotte St (near Oronoque St).
The coalition brings together the Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Haiti Support Group of Guyana, National Farmers’ Organization, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) and Red Thread.
We are marching to publicly express gratitude to the Government and People of Cuba for the many years of sacrifice, service and solidarity with the people of Guyana. For decades, Guyanese have benefited from the generosity of Cuban society—especially the thousands of Guyanese whose lives were saved and otherwise directly impacted by the work of the Cuban Medical Brigade. Cuban doctors have routinely been deployed in hinterland areas where Guyanese doctors were unwilling to work. We also thank Cuba for the hundreds of Guyanese doctors so well trained in Cuba on scholarships. The walk and concluding rally will provide a meaningful opportunity for participants to reflect on this legacy of care and to share personal experiences of the Brigade’s contributions to Guyanese welfare.
We are calling on President Ali and the Government of Guyana to reverse the decision to terminate the longstanding contractual arrangement between the Governments of Cuba and Guyana, and to reinstate the invaluable services provided by the Cuban Medical Brigade so that they can return to Guyana as soon as possible. In addition, we call on the Government of Guyana to resist any external pressure to end the scholarship program that enables our citizens to pursue studies in Cuba, especially in the area of medicine.
Further, we are asking the Government of Guyana to join the many world leaders and organizations who are demanding an end to the inhumane fuel embargo imposed on our Caribbean sister-nation. International Human Rights organizations are warning that the island nation is approaching “humanitarian collapse”. The US imposed fuel blockade has closed schools, grounded aircraft, left homes without electricity for twenty hours a day, and left garbage rotting in Havana’s streets. Cuba is struggling to keep its hospitals operational. Women are giving birth in the dark without the care and facilities they need, and most are now unable to find transport to a clinic or hospital. Ambulances are out of action due to the fuel shortage. Cancer and Dialysis patients are without the services and medicines they need. Doctors cannot perform basic scans such as x rays or ultrasounds. The embargo constitutes collective punishment of the Cuban people, and as such violates international law.
Participants will assemble at 3:30 PM in front of the Parliament Building on Brickdam and proceed east along Brickdam to the Square of the Revolution for a rally. Participants can then proceed to the Guerrilla Nanobrewery at 216 Charlotte St (near Oronoque St) for refreshments followed by an evening of films and discussion.
For further information please contact +592 675 5846
