The United States government is inflicting suffering and causing deaths in Cuba, according to activist and publisher Paul Coates. Coates recently returned from a humanitarian trip to the island nation and spoke at an event hosted by The Real News Network in Baltimore, Maryland, about the impact of U.S. Sanctions on the Cuban people and the moral obligation for people of African descent to stand in solidarity.
A Humanitarian Crisis
Coates described being deeply affected by the hardship he witnessed in Cuba, stating he “cried every day” for the first five or six days after returning. He characterized the actions of the U.S. Government as “criminal,” and expressed a sense of powerlessness despite his commitment to resistance.
Coates shared a conversation with an elder publisher who echoed his sentiments, stating, “They’re killing him. They’re killing us in Cuba. They’re killing us in Cuba.” He drew parallels between U.S. Actions in Cuba and conflicts elsewhere, noting that American-made bombs are used in Gaza and Iran. Although Cuba is not experiencing direct bombing, Coates asserted that U.S. Policy is “really destroying the people,” leading to deaths among infants and those with treatable infections.
A Shared History and Moral Imperative
Coates emphasized the deep historical and cultural connection between Black Americans and Cuba, stating that Cuba is the closest place to “Africa.” He explained that he has “felt more at home in Cuba than I have in Africa” due to the preservation of tradition and shared history. He noted that both Africans and those brought to America by the Spanish arrived via separate boats, but share a common ancestry.
He recounted a past instance where the Obama administration attempted to exchange the release of a prisoner for more favorable trade relations with Cuba, but Cuba refused. Coates urged people to travel to Cuba in solidarity, arguing that even tourism provides vital employment for the Cuban people and represents a form of resistance. He believes that supporting Cuba also has a ripple effect, positively impacting other nations facing similar pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Coates’s primary concern regarding U.S. Policy toward Cuba?
Paul Coates is deeply concerned about the suffering and deaths caused by U.S. Sanctions and policies toward Cuba, which he describes as a deliberate attempt to harm the Cuban people.
Why does Coates believe people of African descent have a particular responsibility to support Cuba?
Coates believes people of African descent have a moral obligation to support Cuba due to the historical support Cuba provided to African liberation movements, including sending 350,000 people to fight for freedom in Africa and supporting Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid.
What does Coates suggest as a way to display solidarity with Cuba?
Coates encourages people to travel to Cuba in delegations to provide support and show solidarity, arguing that tourism provides employment for Cubans and represents a form of resistance.
Given the interconnectedness of global struggles, how might supporting movements for justice in one part of the world influence outcomes elsewhere?
