Victoria de Girón Finnish solidarity brigade.
The condemnation of the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was one of the expressions of principle that marked the annual review of the Delegation in this eastern Cuban province of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP in Spanish). The 2025 review showed a strengthening of the Movement of Solidarity with Cuba in the territory, with the central motivation being the 65th anniversary of the founding of the institute by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- In the past calendar year, ICAP here focused on promoting support for the Revolution through systematic exchanges with organizations in Italy, Finland, Mexico, Denmark, Chile, the Netherlands, Sweden, Oman, France, and Brazil. Caravans and meetings were held, especially with the Lombardy Regional Coordination, on significant dates in Cuban history. Fifty activities were carried out virtually to coordinate international support.
WE RECOMMEND
Tomi: Total Solidarity
At the Las Tunas Pediatric Hospital, Solidarity Speaks Finnish
FRIENDSHIP MATERIALIZED
Solidarity transcended the virtual realm with attention to brigades and individual friends. Of particular note was the annual edition of the Victoria de Girón Finnish brigade, whose 10 members continued their selfless contribution to the health sector in the Balcón del Oriente Cubano.
Support was also provided to the Chilean Anti-Coup Sailors Group, survivors of imprisonment and torture under the Pinochet dictatorship, and the Como Circle in Italy. The list of individual friends assisted included citizens from Oman, the Netherlands, Mexico, the United States, Denmark, France, Brazil, and Costa Rica.
Faced with a difficult global scenario, the Delegation took part in the Day of Peace, Against the Blockade and Terrorism. Collectives from Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands joined in virtual activities, demonstrations, and forums to demand an end to the economic blockade of Cuba and condemn the genocide against the Palestinian people.
It also took part in the Day of Solidarity with Puerto Rico and commemorated the coup d'état in Chile. Communication efforts were strengthened on social media, with content in Spanish and English defending Venezuelan sovereignty, the Palestinian cause, and the truth about Cuba.
This international solidarity translated into tangible contributions to community development. From Italy, the Giovanni Ardizzone brigade donated a container of medical equipment worth 35,000 euros. The Finns from “Victoria de Girón” contributed €13,000 for the surgical unit of the Mártires de Las Tunas pediatric hospital. Friends from Oman, Mexico, Denmark, and the United States made donations for public health, culture, and aid to the victims of Hurricane Melissa. Likewise, Chilean groups made contributions to the República de Chile semi-boarding school in the territory.
A momentous occasion was the presentation of the Medal of Friendship to Tomi Kuhanen, leader of the Finnish brigade, in a solemn ceremony with local authorities.
COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
At the review meeting, representatives of the Party and the Provincial Government praised the results achieved by the ICAP collective and urged them to expand ties with patriotic emigrants and foreign graduates of higher education institutions in Las Tunas.
By 2026, their projections include increasing information to friends about the Cuban reality, promoting the use of social networks for reporting and communication, and paying special attention to the preparation of cadres in economic and technological issues.
ICAP, which celebrated its 65th anniversary last December, reaffirmed, also from Las Tunas, its role in building bridges of solidarity with people of goodwill around the world.
