WILMINGTON, Calif. — More than 40 people gathered at the Machinists union hall here May 9 for a “No war on Cuba!” emergency speak-out. The event also drew attendees joining in online. It was organized to oppose Washington’s oil blockade, escalating economic sanctions and stepped-up war threats against Cuba. Speakers included participants just returned from a solidarity trip to Cuba by youth and trade unionists organized by the LA Hands Off Cuba Committee.
David Ramírez Álvarez, second secretary at the Cuban Embassy in Washington, addressed the meeting by video. “If you want to have a discussion about how to help Cuba,” he said, addressing claims made by the U.S. administration in Washington, “then drop the blockade, end the sanctions.”
Ramírez also took questions from the audience. One asked about the pressure Washington is bringing to bear on governments, especially in Latin America, to end aid they are receiving from volunteer Cuban medical workers. “Washington’s main objective is to cut any source of foreign income in the world,” Ramírez said.
He noted this also has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Cuba itself. It faces shortages of basic items, including painkillers, anesthetics necessary for surgery and other essential medications.
Members of the solidarity delegation had delivered medical supplies on their trip to Cuba.