In memory of Anne Blair, a tireless supporter of Cuba
Campaign News | Monday, 13 May 2019
Anne Blair (centre) with Dr Aleida Guevara
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and all our members and affiliates in the UK, we would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Anne’s partner Tony, her family, colleagues and many friends.
We are all deeply saddened by this loss. Anne has been a long term supporter of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and the coordinator of Leicester CSC since January 2013.
Anne was a tireless supporter of Cuba and the work of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. It was only a few weeks ago when she was working hard coordinating the collection of instruments from Leicester NEU for the Play for Cuba appeal. In fact Anne was so successful with this project that there were hundreds of wonderful instruments from all across the Midlands.
Anne organised lots of local CSC events over the years including a series of large meetings with Dr Aleida Guevara at the local university and at the Secular Society, and events to promote the Commission of Inquiry to free the Miami Five.
Anne helped forge important links between CSC and the NUT (NEU) in the Midlands, and worked closely with the Indian Workers Association, the local Trades Council and councillors to engage the local community with Cuba. Anne was also an invaluable source of advice in helping develop our network of CSC local groups. In every discussion Anne always looked on campaigning and the political struggle in a positive and cheerful way, even when faced with adversity.
Anne will be greatly missed by us all here and in Cuba.
As a committed internationalist Anne never erred from showing her support for the people of Cuba. Her enthusiasm for celebrating their achievements and her ongoing commitment to the struggle against the US Blockade and for Cuba’s sovereignty helped us all in our efforts to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship and international solidarity between the people of the UK and Cuba.
Anne has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire many of us in our efforts on behalf of the just cause that is Cuba. The finest tribute we can pay is to live up to her deep sense of commitment to international solidarity and social justice.
We have lost a true and committed friend.
Rob Miller, CSC Director
Bernard Regan, CSC National Secretary
