Dear Editor,
I agree with the sentiment expressed by your columnist, Keeble McFarlane. that the US blockade against Cuba is "inhumane, failed and anachronistic" in his Jamaica Observer column of November 17.
As he rightly points out, based on the recent vote in the UN on a resolution against it, for the 21st time, almost the whole world (188 countries, including Jamaica) voted in support of the resolution with only three countries voting to keep it - the US, Israel and Palau, with two other client states of the US abstaining - Marshall Islands and Micronesia. If one of the characteristics of a dictator is disregarded for the opinion of the majority, where does this stance place the US?
However, I must take issue with McFarlane's characterisation of Fidel Castro as "that rarest of all beasts - retired dictator". Like the blockade, this vilification of the freedom fighter and hero of the Cuban Revolution is an anachronism which the majority of people in the world reject.
Throughout the world, Fidel is held in similar esteem to the great Nelson Mandela. Our eyes are no longer veiled by the boogie man story that is systematically propagated by the US mass media and other journalists who either don't do enough research or deliberately become part of the lying propaganda machinery.
Under Fidel Castro's leadership, Cuba was placed on a path where it is now either on par with developed countries or outstrips them in the key UN Human Development indicators. Just to mention some achievements, Cuba has the best doctor to population ratio in the world, the lowest infant mortality rate in the region (on par with Canada), the most progressive maternity leave law (up to one year, including paternity leave) and has completely eradicated illiteracy.
In Africa and Latin America, Fidel is loved and has been honoured for his support of the struggle against apartheid and other repressive dictatorships. Fidel has always been and continues to be found standing on the side of peaceful co-operation and human development, and against all the impediments to peace and human development.
On December 8, the region will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Caricom-Cuba Day which signifies the defeat of the systematic lies and development of diplomatic ties and bonds of friendship between Cuba and its Caribbean neighbours. At the Third Caricom-Cuba Summit in Santiago de Cuba in December 2008, Fidel Castro was conferred with the Honorary Order of the Caribbean Community in recognition of his unconditional support for progress and the welfare of the region.
Indeed, this great leader is loved all over the world.
Bobby Johnson
bobbyjohnson6@gmail.com
Fidel is not a beast
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I agree with the sentiment expressed by your columnist, Keeble McFarlane. that the US blockade against Cuba is "inhumane, failed and anachronistic" in his Jamaica Observer column of November 17.
As he rightly points out, based on the recent vote in the UN on a resolution against it, for the 21st time, almost the whole world (188 countries, including Jamaica) voted in support of the resolution with only three countries voting to keep it - the US, Israel and Palau, with two other client states of the US abstaining - Marshall Islands and Micronesia. If one of the characteristics of a dictator is disregarded for the opinion of the majority, where does this stance place the US?
However, I must take issue with McFarlane's characterisation of Fidel Castro as "that rarest of all beasts - retired dictator". Like the blockade, this vilification of the freedom fighter and hero of the Cuban Revolution is an anachronism which the majority of people in the world reject.
Throughout the world, Fidel is held in similar esteem to the great Nelson Mandela. Our eyes are no longer veiled by the boogie man story that is systematically propagated by the US mass media and other journalists who either don't do enough research or deliberately become part of the lying propaganda machinery.
Under Fidel Castro's leadership, Cuba was placed on a path where it is now either on par with developed countries or outstrips them in the key UN Human Development indicators. Just to mention some achievements, Cuba has the best doctor to population ratio in the world, the lowest infant mortality rate in the region (on par with Canada), the most progressive maternity leave law (up to one year, including paternity leave) and has completely eradicated illiteracy.
In Africa and Latin America, Fidel is loved and has been honoured for his support of the struggle against apartheid and other repressive dictatorships. Fidel has always been and continues to be found standing on the side of peaceful co-operation and human development, and against all the impediments to peace and human development.
On December 8, the region will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Caricom-Cuba Day which signifies the defeat of the systematic lies and development of diplomatic ties and bonds of friendship between Cuba and its Caribbean neighbours. At the Third Caricom-Cuba Summit in Santiago de Cuba in December 2008, Fidel Castro was conferred with the Honorary Order of the Caribbean Community in recognition of his unconditional support for progress and the welfare of the region.
Indeed, this great leader is loved all over the world.
Bobby Johnson
bobbyjohnson6@gmail.com
Fidel is not a beast
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