I have just returned from Cuba where I visited our project partners in Matanzas, made some other contacts, and also spent some time in Havana. As you probably know we have been supporting a project in the city of Matanzas, to convert the office base of the energy, mining and engineering union into a multi- purpose building that will include a small surgery for the local family doctor (who serves a small neighbourhood, carrying our preventative and primary health care work), an upstairs area that will be used for educational purposes and for social events (both public community events, and events such as weddings, or the 'quince' coming of age parties), and the continuing office base for the union.
The work is progressing well, and all the aid we have sent was properly accounted for. It is planned to finish the above work by May. A further phase will then begin to add two rooms for guests, that will also allow some hard currency earnings for the project.
I was able to experience something of the Cuban reality, so near yet so far from the tourist palaces of Varadero beach (some 25 km away). This included both the social solidarity of the Cubans, their pride in their unique society, whatever its problems, and the day to day difficulties of living in a third world economy continually punished by the United States' blockade. I will be reporting back about the visit at the regular CSC monthly meeting on Monday 6 Jan (see below).
Mark Burton, Manchester Cuba Solidarity Campaign (0161 881 6887, csc.mcr@pop3.poptel.org.uk)