ALBA, the voice of the voiceless
By Roberto Morejón
Cuba was once again present in the events of ALBA, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, with the participation of a high-level delegation in the summit held in Caracas on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of this initiative.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel led his country's representation in such an important meeting, in which the 10 member nations recalled the Constitution of the Alliance, thanks to the foundational step taken by leaders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez.
With its presence, the largest of the Antillean islands expressed its desire not to be absent from any ALBA management, given its integrative projection in favor of cooperation and complementarity.
In Venezuela, the Summit took up the proposals of the Council of Social Movements as proof of its connection with the aspirations of the peoples.
The popular movements, represented in Caracas by more than 80 leaders from nearly 30 countries, advocated the expansion of solidarity with the peoples of Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba in the face of the siege and coercion of the United States.
The ALBA Summit also heard voices of solidarity with Cuba in the face of the effects of Washington's intensified siege and its inclusion on a false list of state sponsors of terrorism.
In fact, in the midst of acute material shortages, largely due to the pressure of the Northern power, Cubans welcome any invitation to increase the food supply.
In this regard, it is noteworthy that the Caracas Summit launched the idea of creating the Agro-ALBA program for the production of nutrients in all the countries of the bloc.
Today, when there are tensions in the world due to wars, threats, coercion and sanctions, it is noteworthy that ALBA remains active and even advocates the promotion of air and sea links between its countries.
As President Díaz-Canel pointed out, ALBA is strengthening its fraternal, supportive, respectful and unifying profile; it is the voice of the voiceless and puts the development of the peoples first.
The largest of the Antilles, which has collaborated with other ALBA members in the areas of health, education, construction, agriculture and human resources training, is in a very difficult situation, but will continue to bet on such an inclusive scenario.