1959 – 2009 Celebrating 50 years of the Cuban Revolution
To the people of Cuba
In the spirit of solidarity and internationalism
we extend fraternal greetings on the
50th anniversary of your Revolution.
Messages of support - 1583 so far and increasing every day
Tony Benn - United Kingdom
The Cuban Revolution under the leadership of Fidel Castro has been an inspiration and its effect may now be seen in the transformation of Latin America from the backyard of the USA into a living campaign for Peace and Justice, carried through against the American Blockade.
Harold Pinter Nobel Prize Winner - United Kingdom
Harold Pinter (1930-2008)
Harold Pinter signed the message board before his death on 24 December 2008.
Harold had been a long time friend of Cuba and was a Patron of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign for many years. The campaign was deeply saddened by his loss.
A full statement and tribute can be read at:
http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/news.asp?index=17
Brendan Barber TUC General Secretary - United Kingdom
Over the last 50 years, Cuba has achieved much in areas like health and education, in the face of an illegal blockade by the US. The TUC opposes the blockade and calls for closer diplomatic and trading ties. Solidarity with the people of Cuba.
Jeremy Corbyn MP for Islington North - United Kingdom
For fifty years the Cuban revolution has survived isolation, attacks and threats.
The paranoia about Cuba by the last ten US Presidents and their administrations has been the threat of example.
A Caribbean island with free health care, education and full employment is indeed a threat by example. Cuba has exported music and medicine to the world and given practical solidarity in the struggle against apartheid just as in the struggle for decent health by the world's poorest.
Congratulations to Cuba and its people; may the isolation end!"
Tony Woodley Joint General Secretary, Unite - United Kingdom
These fifty years say proudly that the Cuban people will not be crushed and will stand up for their right to self-determination. Congratulations Cuba - you give hope to us all.
2009 must also be the year that Cuba and the US open a new chapter together. As the world watches power pass to President Obama, now is the time to show that change really has come to America. The US must lift the blockade and show that it respects and accepts Cuba as an independent nation.
Dave Prentis General Secretary Unison, - United Kingdom
When Fidel said in 1953 "History will absolve me" he probably did not forsee the awesome achievements, in the face of unbelievable odds, that the Cuban revolution would go onto achieve under his leadership. Cuba's commitment to public services alongside its amazing internationalism has been a source of inspiration not only for UNISON members in the UK but trade unionists around the world. I wish the Cuban people well for the next fifty years
Ian Gibson MP for Norwich North - United Kingdom
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Cuba on this historic occasion. 50 years since the revolution and Cuba has advanced in so many ways. They have a world class biotechnology industry and a health system that rivals any in the world while students in the UK can only dream of the free University education like that enjoyed by Cuban students. Please know your colleagues here in the UK will continue to campaign in solidarity against the illegal blockade.
Derek Simpson Joint General Secretary, Unite the Union - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the Cuban people on the 50th anniversary of their Revolution. Your achievements and internationalism are an example to everyone working to make a better world possible.
Linda Riordan MP for Halifax - United Kingdom
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Angela E. Smith MP for Basildon - United Kingdom
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Sally Hunt UCU general secretary - United Kingdom
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Victoria Brittain writer - United Kingdom
The Cuban revolution, with its great triumphs in health and education, and the selfless ordinary Cubans who have given these gifts to transform so many lives in Africa, are an inspiration for us all, as they have been for countless millions over fifty years.
Michael Connarty MP for Linlithgow & Falkirk East - United Kingdom
The Cuban revolution delivered the people from corrupt tyranny 50 years ago. On this special anniversary it is time for the USA to create a new peaceful dialogue with Cuba, built on mutual respect and co-existence.
Rob Miller Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Director - United Kingdom
Best wishes from the Cuba Solidarity Campaign on this wonderful anniversary.
Your strength, dignity and determination in the face of unwarranted continual aggression has been an example to all. Above all the people of Cuba have shown the world that there is a better, more just and humane, way to live our lives.
Your spirit of internationalism inspires us all. From your doctors in the foothills of the Himalayas to the faces of the Chernobyl children treated in Cuban hospitals, we can see the real spirit of internationalism.
You are rightly proud of your Revolution, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign is proud to give solidarity.
Venceremos
George Galloway MP for Bethnal Green & Bow - United Kingdom
Hasta Siempre Commandantes Fidel Castro Raul Castro Che Guevara Camilo Cienfuegos – Presente!
Viva the Cuban Revolution; luminous, dignified, alive!
Les Bayliss - United Kingdom
In solidarity
Keith Sonnet UNISON - United Kingdom
The Cuban revolution has been an inspiration for all trade unionists for the last 50 years. It will continue to show that another world is possible based upon peace, social justice and human rights. Congratulations to the Cuban people for all they have achieved.
Ann Cryer MP for Keighley - United Kingdom
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Bill Greenshields President, National Union of Teachers - United Kingdom
50 years of the Cuban Revolution has meant 50 years of sustained progress and achievement in education - a fantastic example to us all of what can be done when the needs of the people are put first, rather than the needs of the very few rich and powerful who benefit from education privatisation. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary, and thank you for showing that "Another World Is Possible."
Ken Gill - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the Cuban people on 50 years of successful and heroic defence of the Revolution. Your sacrifices have not been in vain. The alternative society you have created remains a bright beacon of hope and confidence not only for LatinAmerica but for people throughout the world.
Ken Loach - United Kingdom
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Elaine Smith MSP Coatbridge & Chryston; Convenor of CPG on Cuba in the Scottish Parliament - United Kingdom
Cuba’s story is a real life David & Goliath one; the massive power & influence of capitalist USA versus a small socialist community. Over the past 50 years there have been enormous achievements in terms of healthcare, education & poverty reduction. Cuba also exports its health professionals across Latin America & other parts of the developing world; showing the internationalism of the revolution. This success has been achieved in the most difficult of circumstances, exacerbated by the illegal & cruel US embargo which must end.
I have no doubt that the Cuban revolution will be helped by the new climate in Latin America where popularly elected leaders such as Chavez in Venezuela & Morales in Bolivia have strengthened support for socialism. These socialist countries set an example for a different way of living & these advances for socialism across Latin America are a cause for rejoicing amongst socialists here. Cuba shows what can be done: even when isolated, bullied & victimized it is possible to create a better society where the living standards of all are put above the rights of a few to accrue excessive wealth.
I want to extend my support to Cuba in this historic 50th year of the revolution particularly since that small island under siege acts as a beacon to socialists & shows us that another world is indeed possible. Viva Cuba!
Colin Burgon MP for Elmet - United Kingdom
The 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution is a time when it's particularly appropriate to focus upon the fundamental gains that the Revolution has brought to the Cuban people - free universal education and free universal healthcare. It's also a time to reflect upon the fact that in the last 50 years Cuba has been a beacon of humanitarian internationalism not only in Latin America but throughout the world. As a developed country, I believe we have much to learn from Cuba's use of its resources for the mass of its people and from its progressive role in the wider world.
Ken Livingstone - United Kingdom
It is perhaps easy to lose sight of why Cuba needed a new start fifty years ago, or what it would have meant for Cubans if the corrupt US-backed regime had not been removed by the Cuban revolution. In ending the period of colonialisation that had turned Cuba into a haven for crime and misrule Cubans were able to start building a society based on the needs of their own people. This has made Cuba a focus for millions, particularly the poorest, in the Caribbean and Latin America, and indeed around the world.
Cuba's great achievement is to demonstrate to the peoples of the world living with the brutal consequences of neo-liberalism that there is an alternative - that basic human requirements like good health and a decent education need not be the exclusive preserve of the richest, and they can be delivered even in the teeth of a callous and illegal blockade. Cuba's achievement in delivering real social gains for its people despite the aggression of the blockade has been combined with its efforts to promote peace and international justice, and more recently its work to protect the environment. All of this means that fifty years on Cuba continues to make its mark.
I do not believe that the fiftieth anniversary of the Cuban revolution should go by without particular mention of Cuba's efforts in Angola to defeat the racist apartheid state of South Africa, a contribution that is still not sufficiently widely understood and which underlines the selflessness and humanity of the Cuban people. This act of internationalism would never have happened without the events of 1959.
David Drew MP for Stroud - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the citizens of Cuba. Their revolution has been an inspiration for us all.
Ronan Bennett writer - Ireland
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Christine Blower Acting General Secretary, National Union of Teachers - United Kingdom
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Harry Cohen MP for Leyton & Wanstead - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the Cuban People on the 50th anniversary of their revolution. I congratulate Cuba on achieving great things such as healthcare and education despite the US embargo and continuous hostility. I send my solidarity best wishes to the Cuban people for another 50 years free from the excesses of capitalism.
Leanne Wood Welsh Assembly Member - United Kingdom
I'd love to be back in Cuba for the 50 year celebrations. We'll have a party in Wales, in solidarity!
John McDonnell MP for Hayes & Harlington - United Kingdom
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Len McCluskey Assistant General Secretary, Unite - United Kingdom
We salute the people of Cuba for fifty years of resilience and your determination to govern your future. Fifty years of blockade have not stopped the Cuban people from building a society based on justice, peace and equality.
After 50 years, Cuba continues to shine as a beacon of hope across the world for all of those who believe a better world is possible.
Felicidades to our Cuban comrades on this memorable day.
Jim McGovern MP, Dundee West - United Kingdom
My wife Norma and I were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the Havana School of Medicine and also a tour of a Primary School in Havana. The picture shown is of Norma and I with a class of pupils, 8 to 9 years old. I believe that in Cuba both their health service and their education system are exemplary.
Megan Dobney SERTUC Regional Secretary - United Kingdom
"role model" is an overused term - but the inspiration of example is vital in keeping the spark of hope alive.
SERTUC looks forward to the end of the illegal blockade and salutes the spirit and strength of the Cuban people and their representatives.
Marsha Singh MP for Bradford West - United Kingdom
Adrian Weir Secretary, SERTUC International Committee - United Kingdom
Best wishes and solidarity greetings to Cuban workers particulary their trade union centre, the CTC. Cuba has been a bulwark against neo-liberalism and a beacon of hope for the global south. Venceremos!
Tony Graham theatre director - United Kingdom
Viva Cuba!
Mick Shaw President Fire Brigades Union - United Kingdom
The Cuban Revolution has survived despite more than 50 years of aggression from the US Government. Its record in education and healthcare is an inspiration to people throughout the world. Its record of internationalism is a tremendous example to all of us. Viva la Revolucion Cubana
Harsev Bains National General Secretary Indian Workers Association (GB) - United Kingdom
Solidarity and greetings to the inspirational people of Cuba and the Communist Party of Cuba for illuminating the path of progress and socialism for the last fifty years. The establishment of a society free from racism and exploitation is an example for us all. Your international expressions of solidarity, providing medical aid and assistance in the remotest parts of the world, risking all and expecting nothing will never be forgotten. Congratulations on achieving fifty years of freedom and progress.
David Chaytor MP for Bury North - United Kingdom
I would like to send my warmest congratulations to the people of Cuba on this historic occasion, the 50th anniversary of the Revolution.
Despite the irrational blockade by the US, the Revolution has brought many gains to the Cuban people – including free universal education and a free universal world class health system. The developed world has much to learn from Cuba's use of its resources for the mass of its people. Cuba's commitment to public services and its internationalism have been a source of inspiration around the world.
I want to see closer diplomatic and trading ties with Cuba from the UK and EU. And 2009 must be the year that Cuba and the US have a new start as neighbours in the same region. President Obama has the opportunity to show that change really has come to America. The US must lift the blockade and show that it respects and accepts Cuba as an independent nation.
I wish the Cuban people well for the next fifty years.
Jeremy Dear General Secretary, NUJ - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the people of Cuba who in the face of an illegal blockade have fought with a revolutionary spirit for the right to education, health and self-determination.
Howard Marks - United Kingdom
Bill Kidd MSP - United Kingdom
Europe must stand up to the pressure of the US and support the Cuban People against the oppression of the Embargo.
Susan Michie Vice Chair, Cuba Solidarity Campaign - United Kingdom
More than ever, people across the globe need to know that Another World is Possible. You, our sisters and brothers in Cuba, continue to hearten and inspire us and millions of others in your demonstration of humanity, respect, warmth and dignity. The achievements of your Revolution burn bright after 50 years, lighting up a path for others to follow. We celebrate with you. Gracias and venceremos!
Nerys Evans Welsh Assembly Member - United Kingdom
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Mike Wood MP for Batley and Spen - United Kingdom
Ian Stewart MP for Eccles - United Kingdom
Neil Gerrard MP for Walthamstow - United Kingdom
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Moz Greenshields UNISON National Executive member - United Kingdom
As working people here in Britain and all over the "free market" world fear the loss of their jobs and homes, cuts to their pensions and social provision, it is good to be able to show people that life does not have to be like this. Viva Cuba!
Andy de la Tour - United Kingdom
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Yvonne Ridley Journalist and author - United Kingdom
Looking forward to the next 50 -congratulations to the people of Cuba who have shown guts, determination and resillience ... qualities virtually non-existent in leaders across the West, but qualities which we see emerging in Latin America. When the people lead the leaders follow.
Jon Trickett MP for Hemsworth - United Kingdom
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Jim Devine MP for Livingston - United Kingdom
Your health care system is a model for the world
John Hendy QC Secretary, United Campaign to Repeal the Anti-Union Laws - United Kingdom
In our darkest days the triumph of your struggle is an inspiring light.
Irina Malenko translator - Russia
Dear Cuban friends, I am not a Nobel prize winner or an MP or anything of that kind. I am just a simple Soviet woman who since childhood loves your country and people with my whole heart, who is proud of your loyalty to the socialist ideals, of your strength and of your achievements and who will never, ever forget how you have helped my little girl with a free medical treatment while in a so-called developed capitalist country they were unwilling to give us any help. Muchas gracias! I am now writing a political novel, and your wonderful, warm and humane country will be part of it too. Alisa and I would like to send our best wishes and greetings to all the fantastic doctors at CIREN clinic in Havana and to all the Cuban people. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your inspirational Revolution! Куба - си, янки - но! Кубинцы молодцы!
Chris Kitchen NUM General Secretary. - United Kingdom
The people of Cuba have stood proud on the international stage and showed true solidarity. It is to our shame that the illegal blockade is still in place.
ABIOYE OLAYINKA DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY (ATSSSAN) - Nigeria
ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE ENTIRE MEMBERS OF MY UNION, THE AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ATSSSAN), I WISH TO FELICITATE WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF CUBA, BROTHERS FIDEL AND RAMOS AND THE WORKERS IN CTC ON CUBANS 50TH YEAR OF HER REVOLUTION. WE HOPE TO VISIT AND CELEBRATE THIS SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY WITH OUR FRIENDS AT THE CTC. CONGRATS CUBANOS.....HOLA !
Jonathan Ledger General Secretary, Napo - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the people of Cuba on this special anniversary.
We have all gained inspiration from your struggle for independence, fairness and equality. May these fundamental principles of the revolution continue and may Cuba thrive in a future free of external interference and oppression.
Chris Matlhako General-Secretary FOCUS-SA - South Africa
On the occasion of the celebration of Cuba's 50-years of uncompromising struggle for a better world. Cuban internationalism, which paved the way for the independence of Namibia and democracy for South Africa, we (Friends of Cuba Society - South Africa) salute the combatants of Cuito Cuanavale (on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of that decisive and epic battle) and the internationalists of the Cuban Revolution, who so selflessly laid their lives and continue to play a progressive reconstructive role for the realization of a socialist world! The peoples of southern Africa and SA shall not forget and shall continue the battle for the freedom of the Cuban Five and the upliftment of the draconian economic blockade! Venceremos!
John Rea House of Lords - United Kingdom
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Joni McDougall International Solidarity Officer, GMB union - United Kingdom
A message of love to the people of Cuba,who have achieved peace and dignity in Cuba and have contribute so much to othere throughout the world - they also make a mean cocktail x
Bill Bowring Professor of Law, Birkbeck College - United Kingdom
Solidarity with Cuba and its social and economic achievements
William Blum Author - United States
Cuba, the unforgivable revolution. What the US can not forgive is the creation of a good alternataive to the capitalist model. This model had to be damaged, made to look bad.
Peter Tatchell Human rights campaigner - United Kingdom
Congratulations to the people of Cuba. Having already forged a socialist revolution you are now leading another revolution: the creation of a sustainable green economy that is a model for countries all over the world. For your next 50 years, I wish you - and all peoples everywhere - peace, social justice, democracy, human rights and, for Cuba, an end to the US blockade.
Keith Ewing law professor - United Kingdom
An inspiration to all the peoples of the world fighting for social justice, and the right to self-determination. Repeal Helms-Burton and Free the Five.
Emiliano Echeverria Producer, Radio Cuba Canta, Transportation Author - United States
I am thanking Fidel, the Cuban Revolution and its wonderful medical system and treatment for making it possible for me to continue to be able to walk. Your examples have created a new, noble Cuba, dignified and proud. Respected throughout the world. Long may your flag wave in the breeze of socialism.
Alan Carr Hon Treasurer, UCU - United Kingdom
Onward to the next 50 years.
Luke Crawley Assistant General Secretary, BECTU - United Kingdom
The Cuban revolution is a shining beacon of what a society should be.The provision of food, education,health and housing for everyone shows what is possible if the political will is there.