MONTREAL — “Jan. 1 marked the 65th anniversary of the victory of the rebels in Cuba, who were fighting to build a better society based on respect and full dignity of man,” Angélica María Fuentes, Cuba’s consul in Montreal, told a Jan. 20 celebration of the Cuban Revolution organized by the Communist League and sponsored by the Table de Concertation de Solidarite Quebec-Cuba (Quebec-Cuba Solidarity Roundtable).
Pointing to the call for the meeting, Fuentes added, “Cuba has managed to be an example for the workers of the world.” She welcomed all activities taking place around the world aimed at combating the “unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba and the inclusion of Cuba on the spurious list of countries that sponsor terrorism.”
Sean O’Donoghue, secretary of the Quebec-Cuba Solidarity Roundtable, invited participants to join with the coalition in actions in solidarity with Cuba.
Michel Prairie, speaking for the Communist League, described the achievements of Cuba’s socialist revolution made possible by the conquest of power by Cuban workers and peasants Jan. 1, 1959.
Prairie concluded by describing how working-class struggles have exploded around the world, including the strikes by 600,000 Quebec public-sector workers whose struggles are not yet over. “The workers who participate in these struggles need to learn the lessons of the Cuban Revolution,” he said. “And these workers’ struggles create new openings to build solidarity with Cuba.”
Among the over 35 participants in the meeting were construction workers originally from Cuba, supporters of the Solidarity Roundtable, rail workers, bakery workers and a participant in the revolution in Grenada in the early 1980s. Most stayed after the presentations to talk more, especially with Consul Fuentes, and look at a display of photos showing key moments in the revolution. A wide range of refreshments and snacks was served.