The embargo on Cuba imposed by the United States, that has lasted for more than 60 years, will not stop the development of Cuban socialism, as the people strongly support the revolution that has brought the people in the control of the country. The embargo still poses significant challenges and difficulties to society. Communist Youth of Finland sees the need to strengthen international solidarity in order to end the imperialist and criminal embargo.
Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has voted in favor of ending the embargo on Cuba. In every vote, the whole world has been on the side of the Cuban people. Last year, only the United States and Israel voted to extend the embargo, with 183 countries opposing it.
A bourgeois change of power in the dreams of the United States
The embargo is a part of the economic war by United States. USA imposed it on Cuba in 1962 to advance its agenda for a change of power in Cuba, the destruction of the revolution, and the replacement of democracy and socialism with pro-USA bourgeois government and capitalism. Sanctions prevent almost all trade between countries and, among other things, restrict tourism and money transactions. In 1996, the embargo was tightened by the so-called Helms-Burton Act, which also prevents companies operating in other countries doing business with the Cuban state or Cubans. During the Trump administration, regulations that had previously been deactive were activated and the embargo was further tightened.
Acquiring many machines, spare parts and medicines through intermediaries will be up to 30-40% more expensive for Cuba than buying them nearby.
Specifically, an embargo prevents and impedes access to supplies or parts for, among other things, society’s services, such as health care. For example, Cuba is not free to buy medicines, instruments or technology with more than 10% of its components from the United States. Acquiring many machines, spare parts and medicines through intermediaries will be up to 30-40% more expensive for Cuba than buying them nearby.
The unilateral economic war fueled by the United States does not only affect matters between the United States and Cuba, but the sanctions are also reflected in the problems of money transactions made from Finland to Cuba – or just by mentioning ‘Cuba’. Many banks have begun asking the sender of the payment for more information or refusing to process the payments. The United States is working to prevent Cuba from gaining currency by imposing new sanctions on the banking sector.
People and the environment come first
Despite the challenges posed by sanctions, Cuban socialism has made significant achievements. Education is free at all levels and system is one of the best in the world, health care is preventive and free, employment rates are high due to the strong role of the public sector, and culture and the arts are valued and participation in cultural life is seen as a right for all. There is also an example to be taken in the rest of the world in the realization of participatory local democracy in Cuba. The realization of the fundamental right to housing is secured by keeping the price level of housing affordable.
It is also imperative to mention that solidarity and communion between people are strong in Cuba – compared to the individualism and disintegration of the working class promoted by capitalism.
Cuba actively participates in co-operation on behalf of the environment, promotes ecological research and considers how to respond to and combat the effects of the climate and environmental crisis, especially in the near areas.
In terms of population, Cuba has the highest number of doctors in the world, at 9 doctors per thousand inhabitants. Indeed, many are aware of Cuba’s concrete solidarity, which also includes sending doctors around the world to where additional hands are needed for health care. This has also happened with the coronavirus pandemic – Cuban doctors have already worked and saved lives in some 40 countries during the pandemic.
Cuban socialism also shows how the environment and nature should be taken into account in society so that the environment is at the forefront of the government’s priorities with the well-being of the people and how environmental impacts are addressed in all decision-making. Cuba actively participates in co-operation on behalf of the environment, promotes ecological research and considers how to respond to and combat the effects of the climate and environmental crisis, especially in the near areas.
As in all societies, Cuba has problems and things to develop. However, the administration is aware of these because the problems have been publicly acknowledged and the administration is in direct dialogue with the people to help overcome the problems and overcome the challenges of the embargo. n
Cuba will not be discouraged
History has taught Cuba not to allow foreign forces or private wealth to influence its affairs. Cuba, of course, does not do things in the same way as the bourgeois states, and therefore the country’s actions and policies do not want to be highlighted in a positive light in the capitalist media. Once again, there is a greater need than ever for voices in favor of solidarity and socialism.
Communist Youth of Finland demands that Finland actively condemns the embargo, does efforts towards the EU and the United States in favor of ending blockade, and co-operates with Cuba.
Let’s say together that the Cuban people must have the full right and opportunity to build and develop their society without imperialist pressure and sabotage from the United States. Cuba is operating around the world, offering its assistance in dealing with and resolving various crises in an exemplary manner and in an unselfishly humane way. Let’s also act in solidarity with the Cuban people!
Communist Youth of Finland demands that Finland actively condemns the embargo, does efforts towards the EU and the United States in favor of ending blockade, and co-operates with Cuba. It is high time to put an end to this absurd embargo, which is hampering the daily lives of many Cubans and the smooth running of services for the benefit of the people.
¡Viva Cuba!