National Delegate Conference 16-19 June 2008

Celebrating 50 years of Cuban revolution

Maria del C. Rodriguez Reyes and Dulce Maria Iglesias Suarez speak to Newsheet Teams

Conference gave a warm welcome to Maria del Carmen Rodrigues Reys, the General Secretary of the SNTS, Cuban health service union. Maria acknowledged that the world was going through a complex economic time and Cuba too is suffering from the current economic crisis.

This is of course in addition to its ongoing problems caused by the US blockade.

However, Cuba will not let this prevent the country from continuing to deliver excellence in health care and education for all, as well as reaching out to poor and under-developed countries with their medical education programme.

Maria said that Cuba had managed to introduce some cutting edge technology, and would not let this go to waste as a result of the current economic constraints.

Maria explained that it is fifty years since the Cuban Revolution, 70 years since the inception of the trade union movement in Cuba. Their social project has proved to be successful, guaranteeing employment and participation for all.This society draws upon its history, patriotism and international solidarity.

In spite of the country's problems, the society works for the benefit of all - they will not have unemployment, they will not have homelessness and they will not allow children or elderly to go unprotected.

Maria proudly told conference, "Nothing will make us abandon our roots. Nothing will make us abandon our work with poor and under-developed countries", said Maria, whose vision is on of a "better world where children might be saved, children do not die, where health services are not seen as merchandise."

Maria thanked UNISON for its long solid relationship with her union, for the spiritual support as well as practical support, such as the London Ambulance Branch's fundraising work to modernise Havana's ambulance service, and other acts of solidarity including the support of the wrongfully jailed Miami Five.

In the meantime, UNISON Conference has agreed to step up its campaign for the end of the illegal blockade, for the release of the Miami Five, and for British Government to build trading and cultural links between the two countries.

What can you do?

Please make sure your Branch has affiliated to the Cuban Solidarity Campaign. Pick up a postcard from the Cuban Solidarity Stall to send to your MP asking them to sign up to Early Day Motion 1171, UK Relations with Cuba.

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