Havana, September 11 (RHC)-- Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez stressed this week that the priority in times of Covid-19 is to survive. ‘Everything we do in that direction is wright,’ Silvio told the radio program Las 40 of the Argentinian station AM 750, which presented Silvio’s tune ‘Acerca de los padres’, a previously unpublished tune that Silvio wrote back in 1972.
Reflecting on the current pandemic and the global multifaceted, unprecedented crisis that it has generated over more than a year, the celebrated Cuban musician noted that although scientists have learned a lot about this virus, new, more contagious variants continue emerging, which further complicate the already complex situation.
He criticized skyrocketed expenditures in weapons and the business of war. ‘If what is spent in weapons of mass destruction were actually used to improve people’s health, today’s situation would have been very different. I hope that we learn a lesson and consequently, begin spending more in health and less in killing one another,’ said the Cuban trova musician.
In statements to the radio program Las 40 of the Argentinian station AM 750, Silvio described as ‘shocking’ the fact that in some rich nations broad sectors of the population refuse to get vaccinated, while in many poor nations millions lack access to covid-19 vaccines.
He underscored Cuba’s scientific achievements amidst the pandemic, particularly the development of three vaccines Abdala, Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus.
Silvio stressed that it is a direct result of a strong conviction and political will on the part of Cuban authorities. ‘I think that any country can achieve what Cuba has accomplished. If they have few resources it will take them longer, but it is not impossible and Cuba is a vivid example of that.’
Regarding the impact of the US blockade on Cuba’s confrontation of covid-19, the trova musician stressed that due to the US siege, Cuban scientists were forced to purchase reagents and other chemical substances through third parties in faraway countries, which increased costs and delayed vaccine development and production. He referred to the accumulated damage over 60 years of Washington’s hostile, unilateral policy, further tightened with more than 240 coercive measures imposed by the Trump Administration.
Questioned about the current US administration and its Cuba policy, Silvio noted that contrary to his campaign promises, President Joe Biden has not repealed the measures adopted by his predecessor, but has further tightened them instead. He blasted persisting US visas restrictions on Cubans on the island and the suspension of family remittances.
About Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his government system, Silvio Rodríguez said that Diaz-Canel is aware that his leadership marks a new era, a new commitment of the government with the people. He elaborated that for the first time in sixty years, the historical leaders of the Revolution are no longer in charge. He stressed that President Diaz-Canel is moving constantly, visiting the provinces, meeting with and listening to the concerns of Cubans from all walks of life. He denounced stepped up attacks by Cuba enemies ever since Diaz-Canel assumed as head of state in 2018.
Later on in the interview granted to the radio program Las 40 of the Argentinian station AM 750, Silvio Rodríguez spoke about Cuba-Argentina relations. He mentioned the Argentinian-born legendary guerrilla commander Ernesto Guevara de la Serna – ‘Che’-- a Cuban independence hero, whose remains are kept in a mausoleum built in his honor in the Cuban province of Villa Clara, where he waged and won decisive, unforgettable battles against the pro-US Batista dictatorship.
‘Che Guevara, his example, brought our two peoples closer together,’ said Silvio Rodríguez and stressed that the governments of Nestor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández further strengthened friendship ties between the two nations.
