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Canadian Network on Cuba's January Newsletter

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31 Jan 2024 — 4 min read

65th Anniversary of the Victory of the Cuban Revolution

In the early hours of January 1st, 1959, the U.S.-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista fled Cuba, marking the official victory of the Cuban Revolution over colonialism. The people of Cuba had taken back their homeland, accomplishing the task that had started with the Ten Years’ War, ninety years prior. At the time of the revolution’s victory, 41% of rural Cubans could not read or write; by the end of 1961, the country had eradicated illiteracy. Cuba’s infant mortality rate was as high as 37.3 per 1,000; today it is 4.03, significantly lower that the U.S.’s 5.6 per 1,000. Cuba is world famous for its people-centred healthcare system, for its no-one-left-behind response to natural disasters and its resolute internationalism. With half of its parliament being women, and the passing into law of the historic Families Code, Cuba leads the world in gender equality and LGBTQ rights. Their consensus-building democratic system is second to none. These are only a few of the myriad reasons why the people of Cuba stand by their revolution, despite the difficulties forced upon them from outside, in particular, by the inhumane blockade enforced by the United States. Cuba continues to be the leading example of how a nation can be run, not for the profits of a few, but for the benefit of the many. Long live Cuba and the Cuban Revolution!

Che Brigade Informational Webinar

This year marks the historic 3oth annual Ernesto “Che” Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade. Since 1993, hundreds of people living across Canada, of various ages, skills and backgrounds have enjoyed an exciting and informative three-week stay in Cuba with the Ernesto Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade.

The trip provides the opportunity to look at the gains and victories of the Cuban revolution, as well as see Cuba's challenges first hand, particularly the impacts of over 60 years of illegal economic blockade from the United States. The Che Brigade fulfills two main goals. On the one hand, it is a great way to show support for the struggle of the Cuban people to maintain their independence. On the other hand, it is an important opportunity for people from Canada to know and understand the dynamism of all aspects of life in Cuba.

The Cuban people, who are committed to maintaining their revolution and its great gains, receive the Brigade participants, known as "Brigadistas", with warmth and friendship. The fact that Brigadistas come from Canada to share friendship, reaffirms to many Cuban people that the social change they are carrying out is important, not only for their country, but for the entire world.

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Are you interested in learning more about the 30th Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade? Join us on Sunday, Feb. 4th, at 1:00 pm PST / 4:00 pm EST for an informational webinar!

The 171st Anniversary of José Martí’s Birth

On January 28th, people all over the world celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Cuban national hero and revolutionary literary figure, José Martí. This anniversary is marked every year in Cuba by the March of Torches, this year’s being led by Raúl and President Díaz-Canel.

In British Columbia, CCFA-Vancouver hosted an event celebrating the life of the great revolutionary with live music, a speech, a presentation on Martí’s most significant quotes and, of course, birthday cake! You can watch an abridged version of the speech given by long-time Cuba solidarity activist, Nino Pagliccia, in the video posted above. The video also contains clips of Fidel speaking about his hero, José Martí.

We Have a New Website!

The Canadian Network on Cuba has a newly-designed website. We hope that this new layout will make the website easier to navigate and simpler for the incoming CNC executive to maintain. However, updating the website’s design is an ongoing process which can respond to any issues that may arise or suggestions from the public. Let us know what you think about the new website design! Email webmaster Robert Crooks at webmaster@canadiannetworkoncuba.ca.

CNC Member Group Events

Once again, people across Canada were out on the last Sunday of the month as part of Puentes de Amor to protest the illegal and genocidal blockade that the United States government continues to impose on the Cuban people. To join February’s rallies, find a CNC member group near you!