The first Manchester-Matanzas solidarity and friendship brigade in April involved 10 Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) supporters. With the help of our remarkable hosts, we deepened our understanding of what Cuba stands for and what Cuban people have achieved against all the odds. We returned with a better understanding of the realities of life in Cuba, and a renewed commitment to supporting the achievements of this unique society in general, and our friends in Matanzas too.
Our first week was in Matanzas, hosted by the provincial Energy Union. Manchester CSC (and previously the Bury Cuba Support Group) has been supporting the renovation of the union office - a building renovation with a difference, the building now provides a consulting room and dispensary for one of Cuba's many family doctors as well as a large dual purpose educational and social centre for the use of union members and groups from the local neighbourhood.
| Felipe Hector Vega, General Secretary of the Union, had organised a full week of activities for the group that helped us better understand how life works in Cuba and enabled us to better appreciate the achievements and resilience of the Cuban people. Visits included ACLIFIM the NGO serving and directed by physically disabled people, the provincial Arts school, the School of Languages, as well as historic sites including Playa Giron/Bay of Pigs, the city of Cardenas and the Provincial Government, where we took a message of greeting from Manchester City Council.
A particular highlight was a Cultural Gala organised especially for us at the oldest theatre in Matanzas - outstanding performances from a dance group and an all women's Afro-Cuban drum and singing group. |
 We even fitted in some painting of the Community Centre |
One member of the brigade developed an ear infection and experienced at first hand the excellent health care system - and the shortage of medicines, with the polyclinic having to phone around Havana to track down the necessary antibiotic. We were struck by the combination of pride and honesty in many of the people we spoke to. Pride in a social system that prioritises caring for the people, especially the young, old and vulnerable, and honesty not just about the very real difficulties that face ordinary Cubans every day because of the US blockade, but also about their perceptions of the problems of their society.
Manchester Cuba Solidarity Campaign (0161 881 6887, [email protected])