20 Reasons To Support Cuba

20 Reasons to Support Cuba - Invent the Future
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July 26, 2013

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20 Reasons to Support Cuba
The 26th of July is celebrated in Cuba as the Day of National Rebellion, in honour
of the attack on the Moncada army garrison in Santiago de Cuba on 26 July 1953.
This attack, led by Fidel Castro, was the beginning of the revolutionary armed
struggle against the Batista regime.
To help mark 60 years of the Cuban Revolution, I have put together a list of 20
reasons why all sensible, progressive people should support and defend Cuba.
1. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world
Cubas literacy rate of 99.8% is among the highest in the world higher than that
of both Britain and the US. The Cuban Revolution has placed a very strong
emphasis on literacy, considering it an essential component of empowering the
population. Just two years after the seizure of power in 1959, the Cuban
government embarked upon one of the most ambitious and wide-ranging literacy
campaigns in history, sending tens of thousands of students to the countryside to
form literacy brigades. Within a year, the literacy rate was increased from 70% to
96%. Additionally, over the past 50 years, thousands of Cuban literacy teachers
have volunteered in countries around the world
http://www.invent-the-future.org/2013/07/20-reasons-to-support-cuba/
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(http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/latin-lessons-what-can-welearn-from-the-worldrsquos-most-ambitious-literacy-campaign-2124433.html)
including Haiti (http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Over-150,000Haitians-benefit-from-Cuban-literacy-program-12522.html) and remote indigenous
communities in Australia (http://links.org.au/node/3422).
2. Health-care is free, universal, and of high quality
It is a small, poor island that does not exploit other countries and which suffers
from a suffocating economic blockade, yet Cuba boasts better health indicators
than its exponentially richer neighbour 90 miles across the Florida straits
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2007/jul/17/internationalnews). Life
expectancy is an impressive 79. Infant mortality is 4.83 deaths per 1,000 live
births compared (better than the US figure of 6.0, and incomparably better than
the average for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is around 27 deaths per
1,000 live births). Cuba has the lowest HIV prevalence rate in the Americas. There
is one doctor for every 220 people in Cuba one of the highest ratios in the
world, compared with one for every 370 in England
(http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cubanmedics-in-haiti-put-the-world-to-shame-2169415.html). Healthcare is communitybased, prevention-oriented, holistic, and free.
As Kofi Annan
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/sfeature/sf_views_uriarte.html) said: Cuba
demonstrates how much nations can do with the resources they have if they focus
on the right priorities health, education, and literacy.
3. Education is free, universal, and of high quality
If you want to understand the true nature of a society, then a study of its education
system is a good place to start. In Cuba, high quality education at every level is
regarded as a human right, and has been the major priority of the government
from 1959 onwards. The result is that a poor, underdeveloped country with
widespread illiteracy and ignorance has become one of the most educated nations
in the world. (Incidentally, you might think that a dictatorship obsessed with
preserving its grip on power as the Cuban government is portrayed in the
imperialist world would worry about the consequences of creating generations of
skilled critical thinkers!)
This article (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/latin-lessonswhat-can-we-learn-from-the-worldrsquos-most-ambitious-literacy-campaign2124433.html) by Nina Lakhani in The Independent gives a useful overview:
Education at every level is free, and standards are high The primary-school
curriculum includes dance and gardening, lessons on health and hygiene, and,
naturally, revolutionary history. Children are expected to help each other so that
no one in the class lags too far behind. And parents must work closely with
teachers as part of every childs education and social development There is a
strict maximum of 25 children per primary-school class, many of which have as
few as 20. Secondary schools are striving towards only 15 pupils per class less
than half the UK norm.
School meals and uniforms are free Mobile teachers are deployed to homes if
children are unable to come to school because of sickness or disability Adult
education at all levels, from Open University-type degrees to English- and Frenchlanguage classes on TV, is free and popular.
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The quality of Cubas education is recognised at the top international levels; for
example, Cuba is ranked at number 16 in UNESCOs Education for All
Development Index (http://havanareporternews.com/cuba/unesco-highlightscuba%E2%80%99s-commitment-education), higher than any other country in
Latin America and the Caribbean (and higher than the US, which is ranked at
number 25).
4. The legacy of racism is being wiped out
Pre-revolutionary Cuba was, in effect, an apartheid society. There was
widespread segregation and discrimination. Afro-Cubans were restricted to the
worst jobs, the worst housing, the worst education. They suffered from differential
access to parks, restaurants and beaches.
The revolution quickly started attacking racism at its roots, vowing to straighten
out what history has twisted (http://www.themilitant.com/2010/7415/741560.html).
In March 1959, just a couple of months after the capture of power, Fidel discussed
the complex problem of racism (http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/17145) in
several speeches at mass rallies.
In all fairness, I must say that it is not only the aristocracy

who practise discrimination. There are very humble people
who also discriminate. There are workers who hold the same
prejudices as any wealthy person, and this is what is most
absurd and sad and should compel people to meditate on
the problem. Why do we not tackle this problem radically and
with love, not in a spirit of division and hate? Why not educate
and destroy the prejudice of centuries, the prejudice handed
down to us from such an odious institution as slavery?
The commitment to defeating racism has brought about tremendous gains in
equality and racial integration. Isaac Saney writes: It can be argued that Cuba
has done more than any other country to dismantle institutionalised racism and
generate racial harmony.
Of course, deeply ingrained prejudices and inequalities cannot be eliminated
overnight, and problems remain, especially as a result of the special period in
which Cuba has had to open itself up to tourism and some limited foreign
investment. Racism thrives on inequality. However, Cuba remains a shining light
in terms of its commitment to racial equality.
Assata Shakur, the famous exiled Black Panther who has lived in Cuba for several
decades, puts it well (http://www.revolutionarycommunist.org/index.php/fightracism/2413-assata-shaku):
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Revolution is a process, so I was not that shocked to find

sexism had not totally disappeared in Cuba, nor had racism,
but that although they had not totally disappeared, the
revolution was totally committed to struggling against racism
and sexism in all their forms. That was and continues to be
very important to me. It would be pure fantasy to think that all
the ills, such as racism, classism or sexism, could be dealt
with in 30 years. But what is realistic is that it is much easier
and much more possible to struggle against those ills in a
country which is dedicated to social justice and to eliminating
injustice.
Isaac Saney cites a very moving and revealing anecdote recounted by an elderly
black man in Cuba:
I was travelling on a very crowded bus. At a bus stop, where

many people got off, a black man got a seat. A middle aged
woman said in a very loud and irritated voice: And it had to be
a black who gets the seat. The response of the people on the
bus was incredible. People began to criticize the woman,
telling her that a revolution was fought to get rid of those
stupid ideas; that the black man should be viewed as having
the same rights as she had including a seat on a crowded
bus. The discussion and criticism became loud and animated.
The bus driver was asked to stop the bus because the people
engaging in the criticism had decided that the woman
expressing racist attitudes must get off the bus. For the rest of
my trip, the people apologized to the black comrade and
talked about where such racist attitudes come from and what
must be done to get rid of them.
Who can imagine such a scene occurring on a bus in London, Paris or New York?
5. Womens rights are promoted
Cuba has an excellent record in terms of building gender equality. Its commitment
to a non-sexist society is reflected in the fact that 43% of parliament members are
female (http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=19854) (ranking fourth in the world after
Rwanda, Sweden and South Africa). 64% of university places are occupied by
women. Cuban women comprise 66% of all technicians and professionals in the
countrys middle and higher levels. (http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/9febFATHERHOOD.html) Women are given 18 weeks maternity leave (http://cubasolidarity.org.uk/resources/WomeninCuba.pdf) on full pay, with extended leave at
60% pay until the child is one year old.
A recent report by the US-based Center for Democracy in the Americas (by no
means a non-critical source) noted
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/cuba-made-great-strides-in-genderequality_n_2819031.html): By several measures, Cuba has achieved a high
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standard of gender equality, despite the countrys reputation for machismo, a Latin
American variant of sexism. Save the Children ranks Cuba first among developing
countries for the wellbeing of mothers and children, the report points out. The
World Economic Forum places Cuba 20th out of 153 countries in health, literacy,
economic status and political participation of women ahead of all countries in
Latin America except Trinidad and Tobago.
6. Community spirit still exists
Modern capitalism breaks down communities. Consumerism and individualism
create isolation and depression. Poverty creates stress and family tension.
Inequality leads to crime, which leads to a culture of fear something that is
completely inimical to the project developing a sense of community and
togetherness. Anyone who has experienced life in a modern western city will
understand this only too well.
Cuba provides a very different example. It is an exceptionally safe country, with
very little in the way of violent crime. With a high level of participation in local
administration, social stability, social welfare, low unemployment and a media that
promotes unity rather than disunity, Cubas sense of community is something that
visitors quickly notice.
Assata Shakur mentions this, and contrasts it with the US
(http://www.fantompowa.net/Flame/assata_interview.htm):
My experience in the United States was living in a society

that was very much at war with itself, that was very alienated.
People felt not part of a community, but like isolated units that
were afraid of interaction, of contact, that were lonely. People
didnt build that sense of community that I found is so rich
here [in Cuba]. One of the things that I was able to take from
this experience was just how lovely it is to live with a sense of
community. To live where you can drop in the street and a
million people will come and help you. That is to me a wealth
that you cant find, you cant buy, you have to build. You have
to build it within yourself to be capable of having that attitude
about your neighbours, about how you want to live on this
planet.
7. There will be no capitulation to capitalism
The Cuban leadership have had any number of opportunities to sell out their
people and to abandon the cause of socialism. If Fidel had been willing to convert
himself into a fluffy social democrat, abandon militant internationalism, abandon
the governments commitment to equality and social justice, and accept the
subjugation of Cubas economy to the IMF and World Bank, he would be
portrayed throughout the western world as a brilliant and righteous man. Instead
he has spent over half a century being portrayed as a ruthless, corrupt dictator.
Many expected that Cuba would give up the cause when its major supporters
the Soviet Union and the eastern European peoples democracies did. It was an
era when socialism seemed doomed; the end of history
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_of_History_and_the_Last_Man). And yet
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the Cubans never considered such an option. They could see the type of
catastrophic consequences that capitalist restoration would bring: massive
impoverishment and demobilisation of the masses; the collapse of the basic moral
fabric of society; an explosion of crime, drugs, racial division, alienation,
prostitution; along with, of course, the accumulation of obscene wealth in the
hands of a few. In a thinly-disguised attack on Gorbachevs policy of endless
compromise with the west and his readiness to throw away any semblance of
revolutionary leadership and vigilance, Fidel said in 1989
(http://theagentofchange.tumblr.com/post/53143576114/fidel-on-the-role-ofrevolutionary-leadership-in):
Its impossible to carry out a revolution or conduct a

rectification without a strong, disciplined and respected party.
Its not possible to carry out such a process by slandering
socialism, destroying its values, discrediting the party,
demoralising its vanguard, abandoning its leadership role,
eliminating social discipline, and sowing chaos and anarchy
everywhere. This may foster a counter-revolution but not
revolutionary change.
The 2002 Constitution, approved by 98% of the electorate, states:
Socialism, as well as the revolutionary political and social

system established by this Constitution, has been forged
during years of heroic resistance against aggression of every
kind and economic war waged by the government of the most
powerful imperialist state that has ever existed; it has
demonstrated its ability to transform the nation and create an
entirely new and just society, and is irrevocable: Cuba will
never revert to capitalism.
Over a million people nearly a tenth of the countrys entire population turn out
to celebrate International Workers Day every May 1st. In spite of some limited
market reforms that have been implemented in order to revitalised the economy,
Cuba is still very much organised along socialist lines. The working class has a
firm grip on political power. In an era such as ours, Cubas continuing commitment
to socialism is very much something to celebrate.
8. Cuba is a functioning socialist democracy
Cuba is far more democratic than Britain or the US. The process of decisionmaking is far more open to grassroots participation, and is in no way connected
with wealth. It is easy enough to see that one cannot expect to be successful in
politics in the capitalist countries without a good deal of money behind you;
political success is therefore predicated on the financial backing of the wealthy,
who expect return on their investment. Political representation in Cuba is nothing
like this. Representatives are elected by the people, and are expected to serve the
people.
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Despite popular belief, elections do take place in Cuba (http://cubasolidarity.org.uk/resources/DemocracyinCuba.pdf). They take place every five
years and there have been turnouts of over 95% in every election since 1976
Anybody can be nominated to be a candidate for election. Neither money nor
political parties or orators have a place in the nomination process. Instead,
individuals directly nominate those who they think should be candidates. It is not a
requirement that one be a member of the Communist party of Cuba to be elected
to any position. The party does not propose, support nor elect candidates. As a
result, the Cuban Parliament has representatives from across society, including an
exceptionally high proportion of women.
Beyond representative democracy, Cuba also has a meaningful direct democracy
(http://www.ratb.org.uk/130-news/ratb-writes/253-cubademocracy-community).
The Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDRs) were formed in the
early years in order to organise the population to defend the revolution.
Membership is voluntary and open to all residents over the age of 14 years.
Nationally 88% of Cuban people are in the CDRs. They meet a minimum of once
every three months to plan the running of the community; including the
organisation of public health campaigns to promote good health and prevent
disease; the upkeep of the area in terms of waste and recycling; the running of
voluntary work brigades and providing the adequate support to members of the
community who are in need of help (for example in the case of domestic disputes
etc). The CDRs discuss nationwide issues and legislation and crucially, feed back
their proposals to the National Assembly and other organs of popular democracy.
Looking at the Cuban system of democracy, you begin to understand the painfully
shallow nature of western-style parliamentarism, where democracy means
nothing more than the oppressed [being] allowed once every few years to decide
which particular representatives of the oppressing class shall represent and
repress them in parliament
(http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/ch05.htm).
9. Cuba is a key member of the progressive family of nations
Cuba continues to pursue policies of south-south cooperation and anti-imperialist
unity. Its foreign policy has in no way been swayed by the never-ending
propaganda and manipulation of the corporate press. It maintains excellent
relations with Venezuela (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/28/us-cubavenezuela-maduro-idUSBRE93R00Y20130428), China
(http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-06/02/c_124799756.htm), DPR
Korea (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-cuba-koreaidUSTRE7BJ2BX20111220), Vietnam (http://www.asianewsnet.net/news29537.html), Nicaragua (http://www.laht.com/article.asp?
ArticleId=331177&CategoryId=14510), Bolivia (http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cubai/18ener-Cuba-Bolivia.html), Brazil (http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=92672), South
Africa (http://www.southafrica.info/news/international/cuba170912.htm#.UfFyEGTN7Ww), Angola
(http://allafrica.com/stories/201211271355.html), Zimbabwe
(http://panafricannews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/zimbabwe-cuba-relationshailed.html), Syria (http://sana.sy/eng/282/2010/06/29/295684.htm), Belarus
(http://www.belarus-magazine.by/en.php?
subaction=showfull&id=1249717733&archive=1303368700&start_from=&ucat=3&),
Iran (http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=965793),
Russia (http://english.pravda.ru/business/companies/16-04-2013/124296russia_cuba-0/), Ecuador
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(http://www.diplonews.com/feeds/free/18_July_2012_56.php), Laos
(http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-06/23/c_132479107.htm), Algeria
(http://www.juventudrebelde.co.cu/international/2012-10-18/cuba-and-algeriacelebrate-50-years-of-good-relations-) and other not-very-fashionable countries.
Cuba was a founder member of ALBA (http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3154)
and is very active in the recently-formed CELAC
(http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Cuba-hosts-CELAC-coordinationmeeting-15777.html). It consistently uses its role at the UN to support the
progressive nations and oppose imperialism, for example voting against
resolutions seeking to demonise Syria
(http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-07/07/c_123382602.htm) and
speaking out boldly against the despicable war on Libya
(http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39809#.UfF082TN7Ww).
10. Cuba is a friend to Africa
Africa is the continent that has suffered most and benefitted least as a result of the
rise of capitalism. Its enormous contribution to world history has been all but
forgotten, and much of the continent exists in a state of chronic
underdevelopment, the result of half a millennium of slavery, colonialism and
imperialism at the hands of a rising western Europe.
Cuba, recognising its own African roots (the blood of Africa runs deep in our veins
(http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/17145), as Fidel famously said), has from very
early on in its revolution supported and built close links with Africa. Its role in
defending Angola and liberating Namibia and South Africa is one of the most
inspiring examples of revolutionary international solidarity (http://www.invent-thefuture.org/2013/06/cuito-cuanavale-25-years-on/). Nelson Mandela put it well:
The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to

African independence, freedom and justice unparalleled for its
principled and selfless character We in Africa are used to
being victims of countries wanting to carve up our territory or
subvert our sovereignty. It is unparalleled in African history to
have another people rise to the defence of one of us.
Cuba has excellent, mutually supportive with many African states. One way it
provides support is by offering thousands of fully subsidised places at its
universities (for example, there are 1,200 South Africans currently studying
medicine in Cuba). Cuba is very active in the fight against the scourge of AIDS
internationally, for example having helped Zambia to start manufacturing its own
antiretrovirals (http://medilinkz.org/south-africa/Zambia/7541.html).
11. Cuba has achieved sustainable development
The World Wildlife Fund called Cuba the only country in the world to have
achieved sustainable development
(http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/newspaper/vol-7-no-7/cubaenvironmentally-sustainable-development-is-possible.html), measured as a
combination of human development index and environmental sustainability. Cuba
is a world leader in the adoption of environmentally friendly technology. Organic
urban farms in Havana supply 100% of the citys consumption needs in fruit and
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vegetables (http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/43404) rather different to London,

where we rely on a disgustingly exploitative and ecologically disastrous cash crop
system.
Cubans understand that the protection of the earths resources is a global project.
Fidel Castro has been very vocal at international bodies for over 20 years
(http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/3551), particularly in drawing attention to the
responsibilities of the imperialist countries, whose ruthless quest for profit has
caused untold damage to the planet. With only 20% of the worlds population, [the
imperialist countries] consume two-thirds of all metals and three-fourths of the
energy produced worldwide. They have poisoned the seas and the rivers. They
have polluted the air. They have weakened and perforated the ozone layer. They
have saturated the atmosphere with gases, altering climatic conditions with the
catastrophic effects we are already beginning to suffer.
12. Poverty is becoming a thing of the past
Considering it is an third world nation with limited natural resources, suffering
under economic blockade and coping with the loss of its major trading partners in
the early 90s, Cubas achievements in wiping out poverty are spectacular.
A Cuba Solidarity Campaign fact sheet (http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faqanswer.asp?faqid=5) notes:
Before 1959 only 35.2% of the Cuban population had running water and 63% had
no WC facilities or latrines; 82.6% had no bathtub or shower and there were only
13 small reservoirs. Now 91% of the population receives sustainable access to
improved drinking water. Sanitation has been a priority since the revolution and
98% of Cubans now have sustainable access to improved sanitation.
Before 1959 just 7% of homes had electricity. Now 95.5% of Cubans have access
to electricity. Solar panels and photovoltaic cells have been installed in schools
and clinics in isolated areas.
Income disparity is exceptionally low. No Cuban starves; no Cuban is homeless;
no Cuban is deprived of education, healthcare or housing. There are very few
countries in the world that show such unambiguous dedication to peoples basic
human rights.
13. There is no homelessness in Cuba
A country that truly cared for its people would move heaven and earth to ensure
that they all had somewhere to live. This is exactly what Cuba does
(http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3477). Rich countries like Britain and the
US (which has over 600,000 homeless
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/09/usa-homeless-numbers-spendingcuts)) could learn a thing or two.
14. Cuba makes an important contribution to science
At the time of the revolution, Cuba was stuck in a vicious cycle of
underdevelopment, without the knowledge, resources or political will to use
science as a tool to improve the lives of its people. Now there are over 230
institutions devoted to scientific research and innovation
(http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=73510). Cubas biotech industry is considered
the best in the world among developing countries, and has generated important
innovations in cancer research (http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53426), AIDS
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research
(http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hl8DZaisjLQ4brQ4xmHHqgBoOc0w).
Cuba created the worlds first vaccine against meningitis B
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/406780.stm). Nobel Prize-winning
scientist Peter Agre has stated (http://www.radiohc.cu/ing/specials/opinion/7819thanks-to-the-advancement-of-science-in-cuba-many-lives-have-been-savedworldwide.html) that what this small country has done in the progress of science
and eradication of diseases is worthy of recognition, adding that Cuban sciences
greatest asset is its large pool of highly qualified, enthusiastic young scientists.
15. Free medical training is given to thousands of international students
Cuba provides full free medical training (including food and board) for hundreds of
students from across the world, with a special emphasis on Africa, the Caribbean
and Latin America. With over 10,000 current students, la Escuela Latinoamericana
de Medicina (http://monthlyreview.org/2011/03/01/the-latin-american-school-ofmedicine-today) may well be the largest medical school in the world. The quality of
the training is world class: the school is fully accredited by the Medical Board of
California, which has the strictest US standards. The only contractual obligation
for students is that, having completed their training, they return to their
communities and use their skills to serve the people. Another demonstration that
socialism implies a level of humanity, compassion and altruism with which
capitalism simply cannot compete.
16. Gender justice is being achieved
Cuba has, over the last 20 years, been making dramatic progress towards full
equality for all, regardless of sexual preference. Cuban-American journalist David
Duran writes (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-duran/is-cuba-taking-the-leadon-lgbt-equality-in-latin-america_b_2411729.html): Cuba is leading by example
and positively affecting the lives of not only the LGBT people who reside there but
others all over the world who see these massive changes taking place so quickly
in a country where most would think the topic of homosexuality would be offlimits.
The National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) campaigns
(http://www.workers.org/2007/world/lavender-red-107/) for the development of a
culture of sexuality that is full, pleasurable and responsible, as well as to promote
the full exercise of sexual rights. This includes working to combat homophobia
and to move on from the machismo culture often associated with Latin America.
In a display of humility and honesty very rare for a politician, Fidel Castro in 2010
admitted responsibility
(http://colorlines.com/archives/2010/09/castro_admits_responsibility_for_persecution_of_cubas_gays.html)
for the mistreatment of homosexuals in Cuba in the early decades of the
revolution.
17. Natural disasters are dealt with better than anywhere else
Like other countries in the region, Cuba is vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and
earthquakes. These natural disasters, if not properly prepared for, can cost
thousands of lives. However, with its well-oiled Civil Defence System and highly
mobilized population, Cuba is one of the best-prepared countries in the world
when it comes to preventing deaths and mitigating risks in case of disasters
(http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/05/community-drills-part-of-cubas-top-notchdisaster-response-system/). Although recent hurricanes have caused major
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disruption and economic damage, the numbers of dead and injured have been
impressively low as a result of Cubas preparation and relief efforts. One need
only compare this with the US governments response to Hurricane Katrina (with
its 1,833 fatalities) to see the difference in priorities between the two countries
governments.
18. Cubas major export is doctors
Cubas Operation Miracle has helped restore sight to millions of people
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8059287.stm) across Latin America
and the Caribbean. Cuba also has a huge number of doctors working in other
countries of the Global South (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-andfamilies/health-news/cuban-medics-in-haiti-put-the-world-to-shame2169415.html), helping to spread Cubas hard-won expertise in the field of saving
lives. A third of Cubas 75,000 doctors, along with 10,000 other health workers,
are currently working in 77 poor countries.
In response to the Haiti earthquake disaster of 2010, Cuba immediately (within
hours) sent 1,500 medical personnel to help with the relief efforts (http://cubasolidarity.org.uk/resources/Cubaninternationalism.pdf). They worked in 20
rehabilitation centres and 20 hospitals, ran 15 operating theatres and vaccinated
400,000 people. By March 2010 they had treated 227,143 patients in total
(compared to 871 by the US). Cuba has even offered to develop a complete
programme for reconstructing Haitis healthcare system. Emily Kirk and John Kirk
note (http://cuba-l.unm.edu/?nid=77007&q=Emily%20J.%20Kirk&h=): Essentially,
they are offering to rebuild the entire health care system. It will be supported by
ALBA and Brazil, and run by Cubans and Cuban-trained medical staff. This is to
include hospitals, polyclinics, and medical schools. In addition, the Cuban
government has offered to increase the number of Haitian students attending
medical school in Cuba. This offer of medical cooperation represents an
enormous degree of support for Haiti.
Cuba provides Venezuela with 31,000 Cuban doctors and dentists and provides
training for 40,000 Venezuelan medical personnel (in exchange for which, Cuba
receives 100,000 barrels of oil a day a great example of two countries
cooperating on the basis of their strengths).
19. Cuba loves sport
The Cuban Revolution has, from the beginning, recognised the value of sports in
terms of promoting health, building community and developing national pride.
Since 1959, Cuba has developed a wide-ranging sports infrastructure and has
achieved massive levels of participation. In the 54 years since the revolution, the
island has won 67 Olympic gold medals (http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=90054),
compared with just four in the preceding 60 years. It consistently comes second
(behind the US) in the Pan-American Games, punching well above its weight.
20. Cuba loves culture
Cuba places a strong emphasis on affording its citizens the facilities for cultural
expression and enabling them to nurture their talents. Cuban children are
guaranteed free access to artistic education
(http://www.periodico26.cu/index.php/en/education-en/2267-all-cubans-have-freeaccess-to-artistic-education), including musical instruments. There are more than
40 art schools (http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=82102), along with a system of
neighbourhood cultural centres around the country for enabling art and music. The
04.03.2015
Side 12 av 14
state level support, combined with a deep-rooted culture of music and dance,
makes for a hugely vibrant and participatory culture. Music is everywhere in Cuba,
and being a street musician is a state-licenced job. If you stop to listen, youre
expected to pay, and musicians are around every corner
(http://www.wbur.org/2013/01/16/a-berklee-professor-dives-into-cubas-vast-musicscene).
The full range of musical forms are supported and promoted, from classical music
to Cuban folk music to hip-hop. The Ministry of Culture even has a division
devoted to hip-hop, and Fidel has referred to rap as the vanguard of the
revolution (http://www.workers.org/2007/world/hip-hop-1011/).
SUPPORT CUBA!
Cuba is under constant threat from US imperialism. Its development is made
unnecessarily difficult by an unfair and illegal blockade. Yet it stands as one of the
great beacons of socialism, and deserves the support of progressive people
everywhere.
Some essential reading
Isaac Saney Cuba: A Revolution in Motion
Richard Gott Cuba: A New History
Cuba and Angola: Fighting for Africas Freedom and Our Own
DL Raby Democracy and Revolution: Latin America and Socialism Today
Theo MacDonald: The Education Revolution
Piero Gleijeses: Conflicting Missions
George Lambie: The Cuban Revolution in the 21st Century
Salim Lamrani: The Economic War Against Cuba
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9 comments
1.
Tim Anderson - July 26, 2013 8:52 am
excellent summary!
Reply (/2013/07/20-reasons-to-support-cuba/?replytocom=3#respond)
2.
Susan Grey - July 26, 2013 11:16 am
Essential reading for anyone with an interest in left politics. On second
thoughts, essential reading for anyone with an interest in humanity.
3.
( http://@razyusuf) - July 26, 2013 12:34 pm
04.03.2015
Side 13 av 14
How can we support?

4. Pingback: 20 Reasons to Support Cuba | Systemic Capital.com
(http://www.systemiccapital.com/20-reasons-to-support-cuba/)
5.
Pat Jessen - July 27, 2013 1:15 am
Inspiring
Show me the country, where the bombs had to fall
Show me the ruins of the buildings, once so tall
And Ill show you, young land
with so many reasons why
there but for fortune go you and I, you and I. Joan Baez
6.
Brenda Garca - July 27, 2013 4:38 pm
My son shared this article. It was so great to read it. In the 80s and early
90s the information we received here (PR) was ambiguous and biased.
This article reopened my eyes to see at Cuba in a different way, with proud
that all their achievements are real. Hoping they are also posible for us.
7.
Davey - July 28, 2013 6:31 pm
I would like someone to comment on religious tolerance in Cuba. And
freedom of speech, access to an unrestricted internet? I am curious about
the challenges still to be overcome what is the balanced story? What is
the down side?
8.
Joe - July 30, 2013 1:32 pm
A very good piece in someways, however the fact that there is no balance
and no critical analysis of Cubas problems means it reads as pure
propaganda. You mention that it supports Russia, one of the most
homophobic countries in Europe and Belarus a county where torture of
those who dont support the regime is widespread.
You also dont analyse other issues with Cuba, such as why 10% of its
population (1.2 million people) left between 1959 and 1993. Surely a near
utopia, which you portray it as, would retain more people than that? You
also shamefully do not even mention the thousands of political prisoners
04.03.2015
Side 14 av 14
still languishing in jail because they held differing views to the government.
Indeed Cuban Constitution even states free speech is only allowed if it is in
keeping with the objectives of socialist society and that art can only be
allowed as long as its content is not contrary to the Revolution.
Cuba is also ranked bottom of the Press Freedom Index and Raul Castro
was named as a Predator of Press Freedom alongside Abdallah Ibn AlSaud of Saudi Arabia and the Israeli Defence Force amongst others.
Clearly Cuba has many great positives, and has done exceptionally well in
spite of US attempts to undermine it, but your biased and willfully ignorant
piece does not stand in solidarity with those who are subject to state
violence in Cuba.
9. Pingback: Human Rights and the Thawing of the U.S.-Cuba Deep Freeze |
Global Rights Blog (http://dejusticiablog.com/2014/12/23/human-rights-andthe-thawing-of-the-u-s-cuba-deep-freeze/)
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04.03.2015

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20 Reasons to Support Cuba - Invent the Future

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July 26, 2013