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LIVE UPDATES: May Day in Cuba (+Photos)

LIVE UPDATES: May Day in Cuba (+Photos)
The Cuban people today march across the country in a show of support for the Revolution, the new Constitution of the Republic and the sister nation of Venezuela.

Redacción Digitalmay 1, 2019 07:05:17
primero de mayo

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As the massive May Day parade draws to a close in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución José Martí, heard is The Internationale, the anthem of the workers of the world.

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This May Day, 1,427 international guests and friends of Cuba from over 100 countries and representing 140 trade union organizations, are accompanying Cuban workers on this international day of proletarian solidarity.

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Cuban workers express their support to the international movement for the freedom of Brazilian leader, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for respect for the progressive governments of Latin America, and for the constitutional government of Venezuela and its President, Maduro.

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Because “We are all Cuba” and “We are Continuity,” the workers of the country fill Havana’s Revolution Square for a prosperous and sustainable Socialism, and state “The Youth will not fail you! Long live Free Cuba!

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From the Plaza Mariana Grajales in Guantánamo, Cuban workers are on the frontline of anti-imperialist struggles.

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Cuban Television offers images of the May Day parade in the Eastern province of Holguín, where workers march for the Homeland and the Revolution.

The Presidency of Cuba (@PresidenciaCuba) on Twitter:

“In the Plaza José Martí, as across all plazas of #Cuba, the people are united: workers, campesinos, students, and all Cubans.

Against the #LeyHelmsBurton #LeyGarrote; “We will not agree” #SomosCuba #SomosContinuidad

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The bloc of the Ministry of Energy and Mines passes through Havana’s Jose Marti square, in a show of commitment to defending the environment, the legacy of our eternal Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro Ruz, as well in support of the Revolution and the Communist Party of Cuba.

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The dignified workers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs march today to defend the Cuban Revolution. #SomosCuba #1Mayo

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The Five Cuban Heroes are also present in Havana in this fiesta of Cuban workers. From left to right: Fernando, Ramon, Rene, Antonio, and Gerardo 

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In the central province of Villa Clara, the Cuban people also march in support of their Revolution and the international proletariat.

Next comes the bloc formed by workers of the Ministry of Education (Mined), alongside the second Health bloc, as representatives of the huge achievements of the Cuban Revolution.

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The May Day parade for the unity, commitment and victory of Cuban workers and those of the entire world in Havana is this year led by the country’s nurses, as part of the huge bloc formed by the National Health Workers’ Union and BioCubaFarma.

Also marching are doctors and health personnel who collaborated in the “More Doctors” internationalist mission in Brazil.

They are followed by workers of the Immunoassay Center, the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana, MediCuba, and FarmaCuba.

A tweet from the official account of the Cuban Presidency:

All generations of Cubans are united to offer a “resounding, firm and revolutionary response to the statements loaded with threats, provocations, lies and slanders of the Yankee empire,” without a doubt, we are free, sovereign, independent and socialist. #SomosCuba #1Mayo

The Cuban President announces that he is on his way to Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución José Martí, a historic site, to offer a “firm and revolutionary response to the statements loaded with threats, provocations, lies and slander of the Yankee empire. Cuba ratifies that we are free, sovereign, independent and socialist.”

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This International Workers’ Day, the President of the Council of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, recalled the words of the Historic Leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz:

“Cuba is waging a battle today against the giant with seven-league boots, first discovered by Martí, and whose steps not only reach the lands of our America, but all regions of the rest of the planet.”

Just a few hours before the May Day march begins throughout Cuba, the streets are full of workers ready to participate in the renowned act that today celebrates the international proletariat, the bicentenary of the birth of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the 60th anniversary of the creation of the National Revolutionary Militias, the 60th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, and the 150th anniversary of the Constitution of Guáimaro.

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The Cuban Workers’ Federation (CTC) tweeted: “We workers are ready to offer another show of national unity. Even as they try to silence the truth, we are ready for anything. Stay and watch.”

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Just past 7:00 a.m. the May Day parade commenced across Cuba, a march for unity, commitment and the victory of Cuban workers and those of the entire world.

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This year’s International Workers’ Day parade in the Cuban capital is attended by: Army General and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee, Raúl Castro Ruz, the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and other Cuban and international figures.

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Photo: Twitter
Díaz-Canel tweets images of the people gathered and ready to march in Havana, to celebrate the Cuban and international proletariat, and condemn the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, and the unacceptable Helms-Burton Act.

The Cuban President tweets: “The people of #Cuba are ready in the Plaza de la Revolución to commence the historic May Day parade. Viva Cuba! #SomosCuba #SomosContinuidad

The Presidency of Cuba (@PresidenciaCuba) on Twitter:

“In the Plaza José Martí, as across all plazas of #Cuba, the people are united: workers, campesinos, students, and all Cubans.

Against the #LeyHelmsBurton #LeyGarrote; “We will not agree” #SomosCuba #SomosContinuidad

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The bloc of the Ministry of Energy and Mines passes through Havana’s Jose Marti square, in a show of commitment to defending the environment, the legacy of our eternal Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro Ruz, as well in support of the Revolution and the Communist Party of Cuba.

————————————————————————————–

The dignified workers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs march today to defend the Cuban Revolution. #SomosCuba #1Mayo

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The Five Cuban Heroes are also present in Havana in this fiesta of Cuban workers. From left to right: Fernando, Ramon, Rene, Antonio, and Gerardo.

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In the central province of Villa Clara, the Cuban people also march in support of their Revolution and the international proletariat.

Attempted coup in Venezuela

Attempted opposition coup in Venezuela neutralized

Attempted opposition coup in Venezuela neutralized
Venezuelan Vice President of Communications Jorge Rodríguez denounces coup attempt by a small group of military officers and calls on the people to protect the peace

Redacción Digital april 30, 2019 09:04:27

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Photo: @prensaFANB
Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuelan Minister of Defense, affirmed on Twitter, “The Bolivarian National Armed Forces stand firm in defense of the National Constitution and its legitimate authorities,” adding that all military units are deployed in the eight Integrated Defense Regions and report normalcy in their barracks and military bases, under the command of their established commanders.
He further stated, referring to the coup plotters, “They are cowards! We will stand firm in defense of the constitutional order and peace of the Republic, assisted as we are by law, reason, and history. Always loyal, never traitors! ”
In this regard, Venezuelan authorities insisted on the need to maintain calm and unity, reporting that the national territory remains in complete tranquility, including Caracas. The president of the National Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, confirmed that the Carlota airbase was not occupied by opposition forces, as some have claimed, teleSUR reported.

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“No military installation in the country has been encroached upon, they (Bolivarian National Armed Forces ) are on the street in the Altamira interchange and are directing operations from La Carlota Air Base,” he explained.
Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza denounced the support of the Colombian and United States governments of the latest coup attempt, according to the Prensa Latina.
“Washington and Bogota have planned all the unsuccessful unconstitutional actions of recent months in Venezuelan territory,” Arreaza tweeted, and denounced a statement by Colombian President Iván Duque calling on the Venezuelan people to reject the “dictatorship and usurpation of Maduro.”
Meanwhile international reactions in support of the constitutional government in Venezuela were not long in coming, condemning the coup attempt and any violence that might lead to loss of life.Early this morning, April 30, a group of military forces occupied the Altamira highway interchange in Caracas, to promote a right wing coup.

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Photo: TELESUR

Bolivian President Evo Morales wrote on his Twitter account, “It would set an ominous precedent to let coup plotters gain ground in the region. Dialogue and peace must prevail over the coup.”

Venezuelan Vice President of Communications Jorge Rodríguez reported this morning that a coup attempt by a small group of military officers has been neutralized.

On his Twitter account, Rodríguez warned of the group’s subversive activities, “We inform the people of Venezuela that at this time we are confronting and neutralizing a small group of military traitors who positioned themselves on the Altamira interchange to promote a coup against the Constitution and the Republic’s peace.”

The Venezuelan government has called on the people to assemble around Miraflores Presidential Palace to denounce the attempted coup.

Miguel Díaz-Canel , President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers, tweeted, “We reject this coup movement that attempts to fill the country with violence. The traitors who have placed themselves at the forefront of this subversive movement have deployed troops and police with military weapons on one of the city’s public highways to create anguish and terror.”

For his part, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla strongly condemned the attempted coup in Venezuela and reiterated Cuba’s firm support and solidarity to the Constitutional President of this sister nation.

Cuba / US Relations

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, denounced the U.S. State Department

Cubans have confidence in the power of the truth, of law and justice
During a press conference today, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, denounced the U.S. State Department, which, he noted, “is busy in dozens of capitals around the world mobilizing efforts to economically attack Cuba”

Digital news staffapril 25, 2019 15:04:36

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Photo: Cubaminrex
In a press conference this morning at the Foreign Ministry, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, noted that the day began with an announcement from the U.S. State Department that its list of sanctioned Cuban entities had been updated to include some 200 enterprises, including five new ones.

He recalled that U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, this past April 17, said that what was begun in Playa Girón would be concluded and that the Monroe Doctrine was alive and well.

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Photo: Cubaminrex
Rodríguez noted that Bolton chose Miami as the right location for such a statement, with a select audience composed of remnants of the dispersed, defeated 2506 Brigade that attempted to invade Cuba in 1961, saying, “This is the only audience that would applaud his words.”

He reported that a recently declassified document cited as an argument for additional sanctions on Cuba, the presence of Cuban military and intelligence services in Venezuela, “a vile slander that I once again deny,” Rodríguez said.

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Photo: Cubaminrex
He reaffirmed that Cuba has no troops or military forces in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and that Bolton is a pathological liar, who accused the Cuban Foreign Minister himself of stating that there were 20,000 Cuban thugs in Venezuelan territory.

That same Department of State memorandum cites the alleged deployment of Cuban military forces on the Venezuelan border with Colombia, to carry out provocations, prompting Rodríguezto demand that the U.S. produce evidence of such a charge, although the most outrageous slander, he said, is that Cuban doctors go door to door distributing medicines and warning Venezuelan residents that if they do not vote for the Chavista government, they will be denied medical services.“Bolton lied about the role of Cuban doctors in Venezuela when he said that they traded medicine for votes in favor of Nicolás Maduro.”“I want to thank the many governments around the world who have spoken out against the measures announced by the U.S. government, especially the voices that have been raised in solidarity with Cuba within that country.”The new measures not only hurt the interests of the Cuban people, but also infringe on the freedom and the rights of U.S. citizens to send remittances to their relatives and friends in Cuba.”Cuba rejects the measures announced on April 17, and reiterates that the U.S. government, in the absence of arguments and good reason, resorts to lies, attempting to justify their actions, now more shamelessly than ever.

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Photo: Cubaminrex
“The measures announced punish Cuban families, all without exception, and punish the families of residents in that country (…) Cuban families should not be held hostage by internal U.S. policy.”

“Cubans have confidence in the power of the truth, of law and justice

“Cuba reiterates its intention to base its relations on the principles of international law, mutual respect, and reciprocal benefit.”The Cuban Foreign Minister called on the international community to put an end to these irresponsible, absurd measures and to act before it is too late.“The U.S. government ignores the opinion of its citizens from various sectors interested in maintaining good relations between the two nations.”The U.S. accuses Cuba of violating human rights, of attacking its diplomats, of constituting a threat to its country, and of responding to the interests of other governments.

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Photo: Cubaminrex
“Cuba reciprocates the international community’s majority support with our medical collaboration, our broad diplomatic presence around the world, and by hosting a large number of embassies here.”

Fidel Castro and García Márquez

Gabriel García Márquez, your word is life

Gabriel García Márquez, your word is life
As of April 17, five years have passed since the death of the Nobel Prize for Literature winner

Madeleine Sautié Rodríguezapril 23, 2019 08:04:23

Fidel and García Márquez, two men who will never leave us.

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Photo: Granma Archives

At the Concert Hall in Stockholm, where he was awarded the 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature, Gabriel García Márquez, who left the real world five years ago, to live eternally in the hearts of his millions of readers, expressed to a mostly European audience: “… Solidarity with our dreams does not make us feel less alone, as long as it is not concretized with acts of legitimate support for the peoples that assume the illusion of having a life of our own in the world’s making.”And later he questioned: “Why is the originality that is admitted without reserve in literature denied us, with all kinds of suspicions, in our difficult attempts at social change? … Nonetheless, in the face of oppression, plunder, and abandonment, our response is life.”

This is an excerpt from a speech that is consistent with his conduct and social commitment, delivered with the title of “La soledad de América Latina,” (The solitude of Latin America), words that seem made for these days, as imperialism tramples the dreams of Latin Americans.

At that time, Gabo, a journalist and one of the greatest authors of the Spanish language of all times, also expressed his solidarity with Cuba, where he arrived in January of 1959 on the invitation of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro.

Always pained by social injustice, the author of Cien años de soledad participated in the founding of the news agency Prensa Latina; and in 1986 headed the New Latin American Cinema Foundation, created in 1985, and the International Film School in San Antonio de los Baños.

It is no surprise that the creator of impressive works in which the heart of the continent beats, the fierce critic of dictatorships across Latin America, would develop a friendship with Fidel that would last until the end of their days.

He wrote of Fidel in this newspaper’s pages, “Seeing him very preoccupied by the weight of the destinies of so many others, I asked him what he would like to do most in this world, and he answered immediately: Stand on a corner.”

The distinguished Colombian, who Fidel recognized as “a man with the kindness of a child and cosmic talent” cannot abandon us. Works in which all of humanity can see ourselves and his immeasurable love for the destiny of America do not allow his farewell, at a time when we need him so much.