On April 16, 2021, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz delivered a pivotal address at the opening of the Eighth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, marking the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution. The event, held under extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscored Cuba’s resilience and commitment to socialism amidst ongoing challenges, including the U.S. economic blockade and internal economic reforms. Castro highlighted the historical significance of the Revolution, emphasizing its enduring principles and the need for continued unity and ideological firmness. He also addressed the Party’s role in guiding Cuba’s development, the importance of youth engagement, and the ongoing efforts to update the country’s economic and social model. The Congress concluded on April 19, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Cuba’s victory at Playa Girón, a symbol of the nation’s resistance to external aggression. Castro’s speech reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to socialism, its defense of sovereignty, and its determination to overcome current challenges through collective effort and innovation.
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Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians
A group of 15 Haitian migrants, recently evicted from a rental property in Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, St Michael, have been relocated to the Salvation Army Hostel on Reed Street. The relocation occurred last Saturday evening, providing shelter for nine of the young men displaced by the sudden eviction. These individuals, aged between 21 and 36, had been legally residing in Barbados under visitor status with six-month permits, though most have since seen their return tickets expire.
Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong expressed uncertainty regarding the duration of their stay at the hostel but commended the Salvation Army’s humanitarian initiative. “I must acknowledge my profound admiration for their caring Christian ethos,” Comissiong stated. “Their readiness to assist these vulnerable individuals exemplifies the kind of humanitarian outreach that could significantly transform our society.”
The ambassador clarified that while the migrants are not illegal residents, their financial circumstances have become increasingly precarious. Many fell victim to a fraudulent scheme, paying between US$2,500 and $3,000 to an agency in Haiti that promised employment and accommodation in Barbados—promises that proved entirely false upon arrival. Having exhausted their resources, the group now depends on charitable support for basic necessities.
Comissiong and Reverend David Durant, former Government Senator and Chairman of the National Assistance Board, have launched an appeal for financial assistance to secure return flights to Haiti, estimated at BDS $600 per person. Additionally, they seek food donations since the Salvation Army’s Feeding Centre only provides lunch daily.
The eviction was initiated by landlord Anthony Mayers, who cited property maintenance issues and unexpectedly high utility bills—a water bill reaching BDS $1,200 within one month—as reasons for terminating the arrangement.
Reverend Durant, who initially sheltered the migrants at his Restoration Ministries Church, reported positive responses from the Barbadian community, including a pledge of BDS $1,500 toward return tickets. “This demonstrates that as a CARICOM nation, we are not indifferent to those in need,” Durant remarked.
Through a translator, the Haitian migrants conveyed their gratitude for the assistance received while initially expressing concerns about potential deportation. Ambassador Comissiong reassured them of their legal status but emphasized the prohibition against seeking employment during their stay.