Friends of Cuba 2016 Reception
Campaign News | Thursday, 26 May 2016
Bernard Regan, CSC National Secretary, H.E. Teresita Vicente, Cuban Ambassador, Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary and Rob Miller, CSC Director
Over 100 ‘Friends of Cuba’ and special guests were invited to the Cuban Ambassador’s residence in St John’s Wood, London, for an exclusive reception to thank them for their support for Cuba and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
The ambassador and staff welcomed guests with delicious traditional Cuban dishes including rice and beans, roast pork, salad and yucca. The British spring weather was colder than usual for the annual reception, but the warm welcome and authentic Havana Club rum mojitos ensured all guests were in the summer spirit.
Her Excellency Teresita Vicente, Cuban Ambassador, thanked the Friends of Cuba for their solidarity with Cuba at this crucial time. The blockade remains in full force, she said, and the campaign to return the illegally occupied Guantanamo Bay continues. “International solidarity is needed to end the blockade of Cuba, so please keep up your support”, the Ambassador said.
Rob Miller, CSC Director, paid tribute to the late Ken Cameron, former Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, who was instrumental in building broad trade union solidarity with Cuba in Britain.
"Ken was a wonderful friend to the people of Cuba. As FBU General Secretary, he was part of the long and proud tradition of international solidarity shown towards the people of Cuba from trade unionists here in Britain", he said.
Rob Miller also thanked guests for all their support over the years in campaigning for the Miami Five’s freedom, and urged the guests to support this summer’s Miami Five Freedom Tour.
In addition to the Friends of Cuba, special guests included CSC Executive members, trade unionists and special invitees from legal, the arts and the media, including Frances O’Grady, TUC General Secretary, Cat Smith MP and artist Richard Wentworth.
‘Friends of Cuba’ members contribute £200 per annum to support the long term work of the Campaign, directly helping our efforts to defend Cuba’s sovereignty and campaign against the illegal US blockade. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Cuba, and receiving the benefits of Friends of Cuba membership including special discounts and invitations, please read more here.
Photos of the event are on the CSC Flickr page here
