66TH ANNIVERSARY OF
MONCADA: ROAD OF INDEPENDENCE, JUSTICE AND DIGNITY
-Isaac Saney, CNC Spokesperson, July 21, 2019 -
July 26, 2019 marks the 66th anniversary of the act that is
annually celebrated all over Cuba as the beginning of the movement and struggle
that paved the way for the Cuban Revolution.
On that day 66-years ago, Cuba’s rebels revolted against the U.S.-
supported dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Although that first battle was
lost, the Revolution ultimately prevailed on January 1, 1959.
Canadian commemorations of Moncada Day reflect the ties that exist
between Cuba and Canada. Canadians admire the courageous and rebellious
spirit embodied in Moncada; a spirit that today is so powerfully
manifested in Cuba’s steadfastness against the efforts of the empire to destroy
the island’s independence.
The Canadian Network On Cuba and the Canada-Cuba solidarity
movement stand united against the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. This
economic war, combined with other attacks against the right of the Cuban people
to chart their own course, has failed - and will fail - to defeat those
historical aspirations and aim to build a society based on genuine independence
and justice. As Raúl Castro poignantly underscored, "Despite its immense
power, imperialism does not possess the capacity to break the dignity of a
united people, proud of its history and of the freedom conquered with so much
sacrifice."
Canadian commemorations of Moncada also take place in the context
of disturbing developments in Ottawa's policy towards Cuba. On May 8, 2019 the
Government of Canada made the abrupt decision to shut down the section of its
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Office in Havana through which
visas were processed for Cuban citizens wishing to visit Canada. This includes
Cubans travelling for family visits, and those seeking work or study permits.
This decision has introduced unreasonable delays and significant financial
obstacles, as well as personal and emotional distress for those Cubans seeking
to travel to Canada, and will cause (and has caused), among other things,
significant damages to family reunification, business, academic, cultural,
scientific, and sports relations.
This is unacceptable! The Canadian Network On Cuba and the
Canada-Cuba solidarity movement call on the Government of Canada to fully
re-open the IRCC Office and all visa services to Cubans in Havana!
In the 66-years that have flashed by since Moncada, the Cuban
people have shown what it is possible to achieve when one defends genuine
independence and self-determination. The example of Cuba assumes even greater
significance as the 21st century continues unfolding, fraught with grave
threats and alarming dangers that threaten the well-being - even the existence
- of the peoples of the world. In the midst of these profound challenges, these
terrible perils, Cuba isa potent refutation to the contention that relations
among the world’s nations and peoples are — and can only be — determined and
governed by egoist self-interest, and the brutal pursuit of power and
wealth.
As Cuba continues on the path of social justice, human dignity and
international solidarity, the Cuban Revolution continues to be an inspiration
to humanity. Cuba demonstrates that it is possible to build relations based on
genuine solidarity and social love; it is a living example of the alternatives
that permit people to realize their deepest aspirations, and that another
better world is possible.
LONG LIVE THE MARTYRS OF MONCADA!
Moncada: Affirming History, Independence and the Cause
of Peace and Justice
- By Isaac Saney, National Spokesperson, Canadian
Network On Cuba -
On July 26, 1953, a group of courageous young men and women -- led
by Fidel Castro -- attacked the Moncada Barracks in the city of Santiago
de Cuba, and the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Barracks in Bayamo, to overthrow the
U.S. supported puppet dictator Fulgencio Batista. As the island's second
largest military garrison, the Moncada Barracks was critical to Batista's
military control of southern Cuba. The goal was to seize the weapons and
distribute them to the people and spark a national uprising that would not only
overthrow the Batista dictatorship but also establish Cuba's independence and
sovereignty. This heroic act is annually commemorated all over Cuba
as the beginning of the movement and struggle that laid the foundation of the
Cuban Revolution.
This year's commemorations are imbued with a particular
poignancy; it is the first without the physical presence of the
historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. Fidel epitomized
the unbending commitment to Justice, Dignity and Independence that has
characterized Cuba since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel's
living legacy continues in the work of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel's
example and fidelity to principle continue to inspire the Cuban people, who
continue the path of independence, self-determination and human
dignity.
The attacks were carried out by an organization that was created
in 1952, under the leadership of Fidel Castro and Abel Santamaria, and
comprised of young workers, students, artisans, peasants and landless farmers.
It had around 1,500 members and affiliated itself with historic Cuban national
liberation figures such as José Martí and Antonio Maceo. Around 120 youths were
part of the attacks, approximately 70 of whom were killed, with many being tortured
and executed after the attack. The survivors, including Fidel Castro, were
subsequently put on trial and given lengthy prison sentences. Most, including
Fidel Castro, were released after an amnesty in May 1955. This amnesty was the
result of the mass mobilization of Cubans in support of the imprisoned rebels.
Under the leadership of Fidel Castro, the July 26th Movement galvanized Cubans,
ultimately leading to the victory of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959.
While the Moncada attack failed in fulfilling its immediate
objective, it was central to the Cuban people's struggle for national
affirmation and social emancipation. Cubans have always placed Moncada in a
broad historical context, viewing it as a crucial link in the century-long
striving of Cuba to free itself from Spanish colonial domination and U.S.
tutelage, and then, establish authentic independence. At his trial Fidel Castro
delivered a speech that eventually became the manifesto of the movement to
overthrow the Batista tyranny. It was published as La Historia Me
Absolverá (History Will Absolve Me) and laid out the national and
social goals of the revolutionary movement that eventually triumphed on January
1, 1959. Today, the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes barracks, now a
school and a museum, stand as concrete symbols of that successful struggle.
Since the Cuban people embarked on the road paved by Moncada, Cuba
has refuted and continues to refute the colonialist mentality and practice of
foisting on independent countries imperial arrangements and dictates that they
resoundingly reject. The Cuban Revolution has refused to renounce its right to
self-determination and the principles, principles forged in the crucible of
Moncada.
History has given its judgment, vindicating the attack on the
Moncada Barracks!
Long Live the Martyrs of Moncada!
Long Live the Cuban Revolution!
