The National Network On Cuba (NNOC) sends its solidarity and concern to the people of Cuba, and its condolences to the families of those who were killed by Hurricane Irma; most of them due to infrastructure conditions related to the U.S. blockade. As Cuba begins the repair and rebuilding process we must note that unlike in the United States, the Cuban system of preparedness prioritizes humanitarian concerns over material and property issues.
It is also critical to emphasize the reality of global warming in aggravating the severity and danger of hurricanes which are strengthened by warm waters as in the Caribbean. Again, we point out the willingness of the Cuban government to cooperate with the United States on issues of meteorology, climate, emergency preparedness, etc.
We recognize and commend the immediate and generous response that Cuba has offered to its neighbors in the Caribbean who also have suffered the devastating effects of hurricanes. As it always does, Cuba responded immediately by sending medical and construction personnel to assist and does so willingly as its duty to humanity.
While Cuba is undoubtedly in need of material and humanitarian aid, we in the United States can best help by also focusing our efforts to end the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that the U.S. government has imposed upon Cuba for over 55 years. Right now, the “Days Of Action” are taking place in Washington, DC. We are certain that in the advocacy meetings with members of Congress, the effects of the blockade in relation to hurricane relief will be raised by the participants in these actions. We ask all NNOC members to call their Representatives and Senators, and again demand an end to the cruel and immoral U.S. blockade. The United Nations will again vote in November, 2017, on a resolution condemning the U.S. blockade. We urge all NNOC members to take action demanding that the United States abstain from voting against this resolution as it did for the first time in 2016.
Again, we offer our unwavering support and solidarity to our brothers and sisters of Cuba.
NNOC Co-Chairs
