CSC National Secretary receives Cuba’s Medal of Friendship
Campaign News | Thursday, 23 July 2026
Bernard Regan receiving the Medal of Friendship
In recognition of decades of work building solidarity with Cuba in Britain, National Secretary of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) Bernard Regan was awarded the Medal of Friendship on behalf of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba at CSC’s AGM in June.
Presenting the award was Elizabeth Ribalta Rubiera of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). Elizabeth paid tribute to Bernard for “dedicating a large part of [his] life” to Cuba, citing how his “deep roots in the labour movement” helped provide the foundation for over 20 national trade unions to affiliate to the campaign. Praising the stability and legitimacy these links bring, Elizabeth celebrated how Bernard has “embedded the defence of Cuba’s sovereignty into the DNA of the labour movement.”
Upon receiving the award, Bernard recalled how his engagement with and interest in Cuba began upon hearing of the Revolution’s triumph whilst still a schoolboy, when he watched black and white images of Fidel’s army entering Havana in January 1959.
“The commentator said ‘these young people have just overthrown a dictator.’ And at just 15 or 16, it so impressed me that young people could do these things” Bernard said.
“I’m extremely humbled and honoured to receive this.”
Full speech of Elizabeth Ribalta Rubiera
We take advantage of this gathering to pay tribute and honour the outstanding career of one of the greatest friends that Cuba has had in the United Kingdom.
The Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, at the proposal of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples has seen fit to award the Friendship Medal to Bernard Regan, 'recognising his support for the strengthening and deepening of ties with our people, founded on brotherhood and solidarity', as expressed in Presidential Decree 1160 that accompanies this medal.
However, we can say of Bernard that the fraternal bond with Cuba and the Cuban people has been much stronger than can be written in an official document.
He has contributed exceptionally to stengthening solidarity with the Cuban Revolution in the United Kingdom for decades. As Secretary of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign since 2001, he has made it possible for support for our country to become integrated into the political and social fabric of this country.
His deep roots in the labour movement were forged over twenty-five years as a member of the National Executive of the National Union of Teachers, and continue today as the trustee of the National Education Union. It is from that foundation that he has achieved his most distinctive feat: building an alliance with the British trade union movement, achieving the affiliation of more than twenty national unions to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
This fact not only guarantees stability and legitimacy, but has also embedded the defence of Cuba's sovereignty into the DNA of the labour movement. His internationalist commitment is broad and consistent, evidenced by his uninterrupted work as a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign since 1981, and as a member of the Centre for Palestinian Studies at SOAS University of London.
He has participated in various international solidarity events with Cuba, both on the island and in Europe. He has promoted the shipment of containers of aid for strategic sectors as health and education through the promotion of national fundraising campaigns throughout the United Kingdom. His voice has been heard in countless conferences, events, and interviews, always fighting for truth and justice, serving as a spokesperson for the oppressed, the ignored, and the humble.
His contribution to the work of CSC has allowed him to gain wide recognition, not only within his ranks, but also among all the institutions, collectives, and individuals in Cuba who have had the honour of knowing him and working alongside him. We affirm that he has been an exemplary model of internationalism, deeply committed to human betterment.
Dear friend, Bernard, today we are not simply giving you a medal. We send you an immense embrace for the Cuban state and the Cuban people, for dedicating a large part of your life, all your life, to friendship through, and solidarity between Cuba and the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Bernard Regan recalling his history of solidarity with Cuba
