Tuesday 7 June 2016

AUSTRALIAN CUBAN CONNECTIONS





Last April Bob Hawke opened the exhibition “Memories of the Struggle” at the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House). The exhibition explores Australia’s involvement and leadership in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was reportedly overwhelmed by the response he received in Australia when he visited in 1990, four years prior to being elected leader of his country.

South Africa when he attended Mandela’s funeral in December 2013. In fact Raul was one of only six foreign leaders invited to speak at the funeral. The chairperson of the African National Congress introduced Raul as follows: “we will now get an address from a tiny island of people who liberated us … the people of Cuba.”People will also remember the warm reception Raul Castro received in

Nelson Mandela described the Cuban Army’s success against South Arica in Angola as “destroying the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor… (and) inspiring the South African people”. He claimed “Cuito Cuanavale was the turning point for the liberation of our continent.”

Many factors lead to the demise of apartheid, not the least being the power of Mandela, however Australia and Cuba can lay credit together in being instrumental in the liberation of South Africa from the scourge of apartheid.

Log onto:  http://moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/memories-of-the-struggle/  for more information on the exhibition

The exhibition will be on display for 12 months.

Monday 21 March 2016


                                              Welcome to Yexenia
For many Australians, Cuba is still a mystery. This has been made worse by the long-running stranglehold on information about Cuba by the United States. The North American Government has enforced a strict embargo on all forms of trade and communications with Cuba. Cuba has suffered embargoes and military adventures from the USA from well before 1847. So, what’s new? Obama has promised the USA that he will continue to enforce the illegal embargo and blockade.

Image result for cuban flagEven today, many Canberrans have sent financial help to Cuba, only to discover that their money never reached Cuba, but was confiscated, in transit, by the US Treasury. They were horrified to learn that the Bank of New York has a controlling hand on all Australian banks and financial institutions.

Fortunately, Cuba has sent Yexenia Calzado, one of the Island’s most prominent officials, to visit Australia and to discuss Cuba’s present predicament and plans for the future with all and sundry. 
Yexenia Calzado
A public meeting to meet Yexenia has been arranged for Friday 8 April in the Belconnen Labour Club. The meeting will start at 7.00pm. She will talk on International relations and will be happy to answer all questions.
In Cuba, Yexenia is an officer of ICAP, the Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos, a  department responsible for fostering goodwill among ordinary people throughout the world. However, she concentrates on forming close relations within the Asia-Pacific region. She is an outstanding speaker on the role of Cuba and an outspoken opponent of censorship.
Australians will be able to hear how Cuba has achieved such international prestige as a provider of international health and education services that Australia is hoping to achieve sometime in the distant future.
Visitors will be able to enjoy an excellent (and inexpensive) dinner in the Belconnen Labor Club, before or after the meeting. 

Meet Yexenia at 7.00pm on Friday 8 April in the Belconnen  Labour Club
  For further information contact: 
Brian Hungerford on 6282 4747 or Iain Calman on 0431987563