For 50 years, Fidel Castro, the government of Cuba, and the Cuban people have set an example of a revolutionary vision for establishing humanity for all people on earth. With internationalism and its socialist aspiration, the Cuban revolution has developed the perspective of millions of working and poor people in Latin America for change, for a better world and against capitalism and imperialism.
To celebrate and reflect on the huge accomplishments of the past 50 years of the Cuban Revolution, VCSC in coordination with several other groups organized 8 events over 7 days to highlight and discuss many important aspects of the Cuban Revolution. The entire week was titled, “Cuba in Perspective: Celebrating 50 Years of the Cuban Revolution”
The events officially began on December 31st, with the huge New Years Eve celebration of the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. The 4th Annual event was once again sold out, dynamic, and inspirational.
For the full report on the event click here
Following with forums such as “Dynamism of the Cuban Revolution”, “Women and the Cuban Revolution”, “Cuba in Defence of Self-Determination: from Guantanamo to Palestine” and “Fidel in the Battle of Ideas”. Participants were able to dig deeper into the history, successes, and challenges Cuba has faced for the past 50 years.
Between 30 and 50 people attended each of the forum events, and heard from guest presenters Ali Yerevani, Political Editor of the Fire This Time Newspaper, Luciano Sanchez, an organizer with the Global Justice and Peace Committee of the Hospital Employees Union (HEU), Alison Bodine, a volunteer with Pastors for Peace and co-chair of Mobilization Against War & Occupation, Nita Palmer, an organizer with the Free the Cuban 5 Committee – Vancouver, and Tamara Hansen, coordinator of VCSC and co-chair of the Canadian Network on Cuba. The “Women and the Cuban Revolution” event featured a special video-feed direct from New York city by Alison Bodine who is a US citizen currently banned from Canada for 2 years
For more on her case visit http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com
Special guest performers included musicians Joaquin Ernesto and Pancho y Sal, as well as poets Dilia Ochoa, Luis Velasquez and Shakeel Lochan, who all shared their beautiful talents throughout the week.
Cuba’s current fight for dignity and self-determination was emphasized in one day dedicated to the 5 Cuban Heroes imprisoned in U.S. jails. These men have been imprisoned for over 10years for exposing U.S. sponsored terrorism against Cuba. A spirited picket in front of the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver braved gusts of wind and sub-zero temperatures, while a packed film showing and discussion later in the evening discussed the new developments in their case including an upcoming appeal at the U.S.Supreme Court.
For a full report of this incredible evening click here
The entire week culminated in over 130 people attending “Cuba: A Revolution in Motion” – a special forum featuring the Cuban Ambassador to Canada, Ms. Teresita de Jesús Vicente Sotolongo and the Cuban Embassy’s Political Counsellor, Mr. Antonio Rodríguez Varcírcel.
Click here for a full report of Saturday's event
The past 50 years of great progress for socialism in Cuba represent 50 years of demonstrating what people can achieve with revolutionary vision, spirit, dignity and consciousness. “Cuba in Perspective” explored these achievements, demonstrated part of the strong international solidarity which exists for Cuba, and re-affirmed our belief that the Cuban Revolution continues to grow and move forward. As they say in Cuba,
“Hasta La Victoria Siempre! Venceremos!”
Report Back
VCSC
Cuba in Perspective
Week of Action!
In Celebration of 50 years of the Cuban Revolution!
The Week at a Glance
Monday January 5
Film & Forum
Dynamism of the Cuban Revolution
Tuesday January 6
Poetry, Live Music, Speakers & Discussion
Women & the Cuban Revolution
Wednesday January 7
Multimedia & Speaker
Cuba in Defense of Self-Determination: from Guantanamo to Palestine
Thursday January 8
Picket Action & Film showing
Free the 5 Cuban Heroes Held in U.S. Jails!
Friday January 9
Film & Forum
Fidel in the Battle of Ideas
Saturday January 10
Forum & Discussion
Cuba: A Revolution in Motion
