In the wake of Hurricane Irma, we extend our solidarity
towards the impacted peoples of the Caribbean and renew our commitment with
Cuba!
Hurricane Irma has devastated the Caribbean
countries causing immense damage to infrastructure, agriculture, homes, electrical
production and distribution as well as water supplies. It has brought in its
wake not only destruction but also death. Tens of millions of people have had
their lives severely disrupted and millions remain homeless. The José Martí
Cultural Association in Athens extends its solidarity to the peoples of the Lesser
Antilles, the Bahamas, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, the state of Florida
in the USA and elsewhere.
In all these places the masses of people, the
poor, the workers and farmers, the small shopkeepers and others like them were
left to their own devices. The authorities simply issued orders to evacuate.
However, no real effort was made to move people safely and in an organized
fashion to shelters where beds, food, water and medical care was provided. This
resulted in untold misery for millions. We
realize that it is working people in all these lands that have been hit hardest
as it is they who were left abandoned to face their fate.
