Nicosia, Cyprus. Baby milk and medical supplies are set to be sent to Cuba in the coming days after PEO handed the donation to Cuba’s ambassador in Cyprus, Ruben Pino Martinez, on Tuesday.
Donation drive and organisers
The donation followed an appeal by the World Federation of Trade Unions and the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association to support the Cuban people.
PEO statement on solidarity and shortages
PEO secretary-general Sotiroula Charalambous said Cypriot workers had once again demonstrated their commitment to solidarity. She said the aid campaign was completed in two weeks and described the workers’ response as “moving.”
Charalambous said, “For us, the struggle of the Cuban people to determine their own country and future is deeply human, a struggle rooted in the principles and values on which modern humanity should stand.”
She added that it was unacceptable for babies to be left without milk, and argued that such shortages serve broader political objectives aimed at undermining Cuba. She also told the ambassador that the response from workers in Cyprus had been “moving,” noting that the supplies were collected during a campaign lasting just two weeks.
Cuban ambassador’s response
Pino Martinez expressed gratitude on behalf of the Cuban people and highlighted longstanding ties of solidarity between Cyprus and Cuba.
He said, “To receive this support, particularly from the working class of Cyprus at a time when the Cuban people face such difficulties, reflects the historic and traditional solidarity of the Cypriot people.”
He said the economic, energy and trade restrictions faced by Cuba are not abstract but a daily reality.
What do you think this donation campaign says about the relationship between Cyprus and Cuba?