Art is not a luxury, and not for profit
Amidst news of the life-threatening pandemic, we have seen countless expressions of generosity, dedication and solidarity
Author: Pedro de la Hoz | pedro@granma.cu
march 26, 2020 10:03:27

Photo: Maisel López Photo: Granma
These are times to uphold human values. Faced with a life-threatening pandemic that is disrupting the economy and altering the social fabric across the planet, we have seen countless expressions of generosity, dedication and solidarity.
No one asked singers, musicians and ordinary people in Italy to go out on their balconies to support their neighbors, to sing and applaud health workers assisting the sick.
In Buenos Aires, from Belgrano, Caballito and Recoleta to Núñez and Quilmes, last Saturday more than a hundred Argentines came together in song to raise awareness of the importance of practicing preventive social isolation, to contain the coronavirus.
I took a moment to listen to Barcelona, where Pau Donés, leader of the group Jarabe de Palo, resurrected his song Los ángeles visten de blanco, looking to visibilize on social media “altruistic attitudes toward others, not only in terms of health, but also people who sing an opera or play the guitar. That’s why I thought of redoing the song and performing it for my neighbors.” Continue reading Art is not a luxury, and not for profit →

Party First Secretary and President of the Republic activate Defense Councils throughout the country
A wide-ranging group of new measures to protect the population and implement the Covid-19 Prevention and Control Plan, demonstrate the preparation and depth of analysis involved in each of the decisions made to preserve life
Author: Granma | internet@granma.cu
march 24, 2020 11:03:46

We have in our favor a public health system… a Party and a government, which put Cubans at the center of their attention.

Photo: Estudios Revolución
A wide-ranging group of new measures to protect the population and implement the Covid-19 Prevention and Control Plan, demonstrate the preparation and depth of analysis involved in each of the decisions made to preserve life.
1-All Cuban residents who return to the country will be isolated in authorized centers for 14 days.
2- Arriving travelers must be fully informed, aircraft and ships, premises and luggage must be thoroughly disinfected. Travelers will be taken directly to isolation centers, in designated buses, with police escort.
3. Family members are not permitted to gather at airports.
4-Passengers returning to Cuba may bring only one personal item and one piece of luggage, to facilitate operations at airports and isolation centers. Continue reading Party First Secretary and President of the Republic activate Defense Councils →

Lula: The Cuban people show the world an example of solidarity
I request, dear compañero Díaz-Canel, that you convey to Cuba’s men and women – especially the scientists and health professionals who are waging this difficult battle for life around the world – the recognition, admiration and gratitude of the Brazilian people. We will stand together, always, onward to victory. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Author: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva | internet@granma.cu
march 25, 2020 09:03:37

Photo: Granma

São Bernardo do Campo, SP Brasil
March 23, 2020
Dear Miguel Díaz-Canel,
President of the Republic of Cuba
I am writing to tell you of the emotion I felt when I saw the image of Cuban doctors arriving in Italy to help the victims of the coronavirus pandemic in that country.
Once again the government and people of Cuba are giving the world an example of solidarity, overcoming all barriers, be they economic, geographical or political in nature.
It is in times of crisis that we come to know the truly great. And in these hours the Cuban people always stand tall before the world. Cuba’s active, militant and revolutionary solidarity has long been visible in various parts of the planet, in a proud, sovereign response to those who attempt to impose an economic blockade and political isolation on the island.
The Brazilian people will be eternally grateful for the role Cuba played in our More Doctors program, in a cooperative effort that saved countless lives and taught our own health professionals so much.
That cooperation was brutally interrupted by a government that is disdainful of the people and blinded by a self-centered, inhumane ideology.
In these times of crisis caused by the coronavirus, all are obliged to recognize – unfortunately in a painful way for our people – how much we miss our dear Cuban doctors.
I request, dear compañero Díaz-Canel, that you convey to Cuba’s men and women – especially the scientists and health professionals who are waging this difficult battle for life around the world – the recognition, admiration and gratitude of the Brazilian people.
We will stand together, always, onward to victory.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva