• From various parts of the Americas, expressions of solidarity with Cuba are pouring in, taking the form of material aid and a brotherly embrace • International Day of Solidarity with Cuba will be celebrated on March 21st

"It is time to take stock and march united; we must walk in close formation, like silver in the roots of the Andes." It seems as though these words by Cuba’s National Hero, José Martí, in his essay Our America, were written for the times we are living in.

From that America, the one our Apostle dreamed of, while many lack decency, others are making common cause in defense of Cuba, offering human and material support to a people suffering due to the hostile and genocidal policies of the U.S. government, which have recently intensified through an energy blockade.

A solidarity convoy, carrying material aid from Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Uruguay, and Mexico—thanks to the work and efforts of political parties, union leaders, and others who identify with the cause—is arriving in Havana these days.

Medicines, food, medical supplies, school kits, and other essential items are part of the cargo of the Our America Convoy, which on March 19th made its third delivery in our country.

David Adler, founder of the initiative and a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla that attempted to bring humanitarian aid to Palestine, told Granma that "this convoy seeks to raise awareness among the millions of people who identify with the Cuban cause."

"We understand that what we are bringing here is not enough to meet the needs of the Cuban people today. What Cuba needs are energy resources; it needs to break free from this brutal blockade imposed by the U.S. government, but we hope this will serve as a spark for a new international solidarity movement that can and must inspire governments to provide this oil and break that blockade. It would mean clearly saying no to the blockade and yes to economic, social, and political cooperation," he argued.

The idea for this solidarity aid emerged last February, following the new measures imposed on our country, and it received such strong support that it was expanded to include air and sea shipments.

"Thousands of people have contacted us, representing political forces—including unions and workers, social movements, and indigenous communities—as well as the political parties that represent us in parliaments and governments around the world. Given such widespread commitment, we decided to expand this into a convoy," Adler argued.

"We are not here solely through personal effort, but to bring the hope and solidarity of millions of people across every continent to show that we stand with Cuba," he concluded.

"A PEOPLE WITHOUT A SOUL HAS LITTLE FUTURE"

Around noon on March 19th, when the first flight of the day arrived, it brought a clear message, later confirmed by Fernando Pereira, current president of Uruguay’s Frente Amplio: "A people without a soul has little future."

And when speaking of the soul of the nation, we must remember how much Cuba has helped the world. It is that humanity, which has served on every continent, that is the essence of the country.

"We are also grateful for the support we received when Uruguay’s Frente Amplio won, making Operation Miracle possible —an initiative that treated nearly 100,000 citizens for cataracts or glaucoma, enabling elderly people and those with low incomes to see again. These things are not forgotten, and the parties that show gratitude when things are at their worst are the ones that should be there," Pereira stated.

"Starving a people or depriving them of fuel is one of the worst practices imaginable, something that should be condemned by all nations. Naturally, we strongly condemn such inhumane actions. We stand here with a people who have shown great courage over the past six decades —and continue to do so now— as they seek a way out of such difficult circumstances."

"We have great admiration for the process of nation-building they have undertaken, despite the difficulties. The left in the region cannot pretend there is nothing to be done," she emphasized.

Brazil also made its presence felt at the event. In the words of Mónica Valente, executive director of the São Paulo Forum, "One of the goals is also to fight for an end to the economic blockade against the island."

"We are making efforts to help and achieve that victory humanity has been waiting for many years. Every year, the United Nations approves by a large majority the end of that policy, and yet it intensifies," she denounced.

She also noted that economic efforts are being made through fundraising to purchase and send solar panels, which would aid in electricity generation.

"You are warriors, very brave, who have been teaching us for many years that the struggle for our sovereignty is very important. Inspired by this example, we too resist U.S. pressure in Brazil,” he said in a message to the Cuban people.

The youth were not left behind. Alexandre Pupo, secretary general of the International Youth Organization for Ibero-America (OIJ), is also one of the members of the convoy, representing the organization’s 21 member states.

"We are here to demonstrate our solidarity and to say once again that the only thing these blockade policies do is harm the lives of the people, of young people, especially Cubans. We are not turning our backs on the situation, and we see Cuba as a beacon of hope for justice, because of all the courage shown over the years," he said.

Just because the U.S. government’s policy toward Cuba is unfriendly doesn’t mean its people are. A prime example is the group Pastors for Peace, which has supported our cause for decades.

Faced with this new obstacle, their support could not be missing. Led by Claudia de La Cruz, executive director of the religious organization, a delegation arrived this Thursday with supplies and aid.

"It is very moving to arrive here, carrying on the legacy of Reverend Lucius Walker and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, who created many beautiful things from a place of love and construction. Above all, it is a historic responsibility to be here with the Cuban people who are not alone, and never will be," she commented.

She also emphasized that the current U.S. administration does not represent the sentiments of the American people. "What we have brought is the love of the people of the United States for Cuba, and we oppose any aggression," she reaffirmed in her commitment to defense.

"We are here as people of faith and conscience, and we understand that U.S. foreign policy goes against life; therefore, it goes against our principles and values," said the activist, who ran for president of that country in 2023.

Members of the solidarity convoy will continue to arrive in the coming days, a testament to the success of the call to action and international support for this island, which has been and remains an example of love, resilience, resistance, and humanity.

"Most states recognize the historical debt they owe to Cuba for its struggle for national and international liberation. We want to stir people’s hearts to recognize that debt and think about how we can repay it," commented David Adler, leader of the cause.

It is for this island —an example of love and devotion to others, and the driving force behind Latin America’s declaration as a Zone of Peace in 2014— that all the peoples of the world unite, regardless of flags, languages, creeds, or borders.

"What cannot be missing are men and women working for a different society, because a different world is necessary and possible. That struggle is not about how long something lasts or ceases to last; it is about how certain we are that the left can transform people’s lives," said Fernando Pereira, referring to the revolutionary process that began in Cuba in 1959.

"IF WE TURN OUR BACKS ON CUBA, WE WOULD BE TURNING OUR BACKS ON HUMANITY"

About half a million dollars were raised in the United States, earmarked for solar panels and related equipment, to be donated to Cuban hospitals. While their purchase and shipment to the largest of the Antilles could have been done directly, it was not possible due to the sanctions imposed by the blockade.

This was reported on Thursday, in a conversation with the press, by Manolo De los Santos, leader of The People’s Forum, and a member of the Our America to Cuba Convoy, which brings together nearly 500 people from more than 30 countries, representing popular, progressive, revolutionary, leftist, and humanist forces, and is bringing approximately 20 tons of aid to the island.

"We’ve come not only with a shipment of aid —which is necessary, such as food and medicine for children with cancer, things that the blockade specifically prevents the Cuban government from purchasing freely— but I believe the most important thing we’re bringing is the desire to stand with the people during this very difficult time," he asserted, knowing that, "if we turn our backs on Cuba, we would be turning our backs on humanity."

For her part, Italian MEP Ilaria Salis emphasized that her country votes every year at the UN in favor of lifting the blockade against "this nation that resists fierce imperialism." So being here is also a way to reaffirm that position, which is that of her people.

On the other hand, she noted that being part of the Convoy has not been without blackmail and threats, such as the fact that many had their U.S. visas canceled. Nevertheless, her decision has been firm.

This is the first time that MEP Emma Fourreau has visited Cuba. For her, she said, it is a duty and an honor, because the Cuban Revolution and solidarity are an inspiration to the world. "In the face of imperialism, the answer is friendship and solidarity," she affirmed.

The consequences of choosing a path different from that of the empire have been evident in recent days, both inside and outside hospitals and other social institutions, stated MEP Marc Botenga. Due to the criminal nature of the blockade, "what is happening now in Cuba is not limited to Cuba. It is something much deeper. It concerns the very foundations of the world we want. What kind of world order do we desire?" he asked.

"Do we accept a world order that, essentially, takes us back to the days of traditional colonialism? It is unacceptable," he stated, "because that would destroy ‘the hope for a different society.’ Cuba has shown us, in various areas —and healthcare is undoubtedly one of the best examples— that through political decisions, a different society can be created."

The name of the Convoy, explained David Adler, coordinator of the Progressive International and one of the organizers of this solidarity initiative, is derived from that seminal work by José Martí, which reminds us that this region belongs to its peoples, not to the Yankee empire.

He further noted that the objective of "Our America to Cuba" is also to reaffirm international solidarity with the country’s struggle for self-determination, the most sacred principle of international law.

"We are dozens and dozens of delegates, but we represent millions of people in this convoy," he noted, "and we are also here to forge an international front of solidarity with Cuba."

In that regard, he announced that a small flotilla of three ships carrying more solidarity aid for the largest of the Antilles is expected to arrive, and he called for participation in the events on March 21st, when the International Day of Solidarity with Cuba will be celebrated. (Granma)