VB Statement: Response to US Withdrawal of Embassy Staff in Cuba and Issuance of Cuba Travel Advisory
In the past 48 hours, much has been said and written about the decision of the
Trump Administration to withdraw diplomatic personnel from the US Embassy in
Havana and issue an advisory discouraging US citizens from travelling to the
island. As justification for these actions, the US government has alleged
mysterious “sonic attacks” carried out against 21 Havana-based US diplomats
who, over the last six months, have complained of symptoms including hearing
loss, dizziness, and headaches, among others. Associated with the withdrawal of
embassy personnel, the US government has also indicated that, effective
immediately, no visas will be issued for Cubans to travel to the US, effectively
adding Cuba to the list of countries covered under this administration’s infamous
travel ban.
The Venceremos Brigade joins with our friends in the US, Cuba, and around the world in categorically
opposing these unwarranted and disrespectful decisions, which have no basis in evidence but rather reflect
the patterns established by the Trump Administration of blatant disregard for international norms, violations
of the sovereignty of independent nations, and outright racism.
We have no doubt as to the connections between the Trump Administration’s actions over the past days and
weeks: undermining the progress in our country’s relationship with Cuba, stalling the arrival of hurricane relief
to Puerto Rico, making genocidal threats against North Korea, and attacking African-American athletes for
speaking out against racism. All of these actions have in common the intention of curtailing the rights of US
citizens under the guise of “safety” and “security”, whether it is our right to freely travel and associate, our
right to live without fear of annihilation by natural disaster or nuclear war, or our right to speak openly about
inequality and injustice in our society.
The Venceremos Brigade has always acted on the principle expressed by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that
we have a moral duty to disobey unjust policies, and that if we do not exercise our rights, we risk losing them.
On this basis we reaffirm our commitment to continue bringing people to see and experience Cuba for
themselves despite the US policies and threats which seek to stop us. We will continue to struggle alongside
the Cuban people until the criminal blockade of Cuba is lifted, the illegal occupation of Guantánamo Bay is
ended, and truly normal relations are established between our nations. We do this with the confidence that
Cuba will continue to struggle alongside us in defense of humanity against the structures of racism,
colonialism, imperialism, and environmental destruction.
¡Venceremos!
