In Canadian mainstream media, the
picture painted of Cuba and life for
the Cuban people is largely a negative
one. That picture is far from the truth!
Despite the hardships imposed on Cuba
by the U.S. blockade, the Cuban people
enjoy a renowned universal healthcare
and education system. Cubans live in a
dynamic and inclusive political system
that the Cuban people take a direct role
in, from their fair and representative
elections to participation in social
organizations. The truth is that Cuba is
an example which anyone interested in
building a better world should look to!
One of VCSC’s central campaigns
is against the over 55 years long U.S.
blockade of Cuba, which continues to put
enormous strain on the Cuban economy
and limits the availability of many import
goods which Cubans need. Despite the
historic announcement on December 17,
2014, by former U.S. President Barack
Obama and former Cuban President Raul
Castro that talks were starting for the
normalization of U.S./Cuba relations, the
U.S. government never lifted the blockade
on Cuba. VCSC had the opportunity to
discuss the U.S. blockade with hundreds
of people at the annual Main Street Car
Free Festival in Vancouver on June 17.
The 21-block street festival
draws over a hundred thousand
people, many of which were
attracted to the VCSC booth
by the Cuban flags and banners,
and by the
colourful sidewalk
chalk on the busy
street reading
“Hey Trump! Lift
the Blockade on
Cuba!”
Another truth that
VCSC is talking
about is LGBTQ
rights in Cuba.
As a Community Partner
in Vancouver Pride, every
year VCSC participates in
marches, tabling fairs and
parades during the Pride season, breaking
down the false notion that Cuba is a
dangerous place to be gay, lesbian, bisexual,
trans or queer. In fact, a widespread and
effective campaign against homophobia
and transphobia has been in full effect
for years in Cuba, with the support of the
Cuban revolutionary government. Huge
strides have been made in Cuba such
as the right to adoption for same-sex
couples, and free and accessible gender
reassignment surgery. On June 23, VCSC
participated in the annual East Side
Pride event in Vancouver, with a table of
information and a banner proclaiming
“Cuba Says: LGBT+ Rights are Human
Rights
Also on June 23, VCSC organized an
event celebrating the 90th anniversary
of the birth of revolutionary hero Che
Guevara. The event took advantage of the
sunny summer weather and was held in
Vancouver’s Trout Lake Park, complete
with BBQ and potluck for
everyone to enjoy! The event
started out with a welcoming by
Coast Salish Indigenous elder
and activist Kelly White, whose
strong voice and drumming led
the crowd in song. After the
welcoming, VCSC coordinator
Tamara Hansen spoke about
who Che Guevara was, as a
leader in the Cuban revolution
and an inspiration to people
fighting for justice and a better
future all around the world. The
event was also an opportunity
for brigadistas from the 26th
annual Che Guevara Volunteer
Work Brigade to report back
from their recent trip to Cuba. Brigadistas
Catherine and Janine shared stories from
the trip, followed by Max who read poetry
inspired by Cuba, and a voice message
shared by Andrew, a brigadista living in
Edmonton. The crowd was also treated to
music from another brigadista, Andrew,
who played on the guitar and sang for
everyone to enjoy. Another musical act
followed, with a singing debut by Nadia,
a young Cuba solidarity supporter! Kids
at the event had their fun demolishing a
candy-filled piñata, while participants got
up from their picnic tables and blankets
to take part in a salsa lesson.
With great summer weather ahead,
VCSC will be out around Vancouver
holding more events and participating in
the upcoming street festivals and Pride
events. To join in check for upcoming
events at www.vancubasolidarity.com ,
follow on Facebook or Twitter
@VanCuba_VCSC
Follow Janine Solanki on Twitter: @janinesolanki
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