The U.S re-establishes diplomatic relations with Cuba.
The dramatic re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba represents a considerable victory of the Cuban people. It signifies the survival of the Revolution and the right of the Cuban people to determine the course of their development independently of external interference, especially from the United States and the West. Cuba is likely to emerge much stronger from these developments and to normalize its relations with all its neighbours with more room for freedom of action in framing international and domestic policy than any other country in Latin America and the Caribbean.
No one today would question the usefulness and normalcy of our relations here in Dominica with Cuba. But it wasn’t always like that. The story of the transformation of the image of Cuba from communist bogey-man to acceptable friend and partner is a story by itself, but one that is worth telling at least from a Dominican perspective. One still hears the odd “communist” jibe off and on by right-wing media talking heads, but these are just outdated voices that have difficulty coping with changing reality.
It is the peculiar contribution of the “Left” that we were able to see so far ahead and opened the relationship with Cuba that has brought so much benefit to our country. It was after hurricane David in 1979 that I was able to persuade Prime Minister of the Interim Government, O.J. Seraphine, to send me to Cuba to plead for assistance with the 102 Kings, Presidents and Prime Ministers who had assembled there for the conference of Non-Aligned nations. Fidel obliged with 10 scholarships, 7 medical doctors and $US100,000. Working closely with my long-time political comrade, Rosie Douglas, we were able to raise over $13 millions and much developmental aid besides from other countries. Today there is no organized “Left” in Dominican politics. Events beginning with the Grenadian debacle in 1983, torpedoed its formation and now the “left” exists more as informed political sentiment than as an immediate political force. But from its ashes we can still rise again.
Yet what the events in Washington and Havana show us in Dominica is that the “Left” was right all along about Cuba, even if, as in so many other areas, we were ahead of our time. Things that appeared clear to us then were not at all clear to the majority of people who were then, and still are, trapped in the mental prison that a really conservative establishment enforced.
The contribution of the “Left”, organized under Dominica Liberation Movement, (DLM) and its predecessor, the Movement For a New Dominica (MND), was to attempt to open the people’s eyes to see that what was happening to Cuba was a replay of what had happened to Haiti more than a century earlier. To bring it nearer home, the same thing happened to the maroons at around the same time. In all these cases the strategy of the Western powers, when faced with a successful revolt against its control in the periphery nations, was to throw a “cord sanitaire” around the rebels, to demonize and isolate them so that they could not become an example to their neighbours. The ultimate aim, as was successfully deployed in Haiti, to strangle, or at least warp, their development.
Haiti was strangled, but Cuba survived, though at the cost of a prolonged and terrible ordeal.
Those who formed the “Left” of the seventies can be justly proud of their contribution in helping to normalize relations with Cuba. The willingness to embrace change and to remain firmly on the side of the downtrodden and oppressed drew great inspiration from the selfless sacrifice of men like Fidel and Ché Guevara, an inspiration and a confidence which the resumption of diplomatic relations and all that it will eventually entail, have now fully justified. History has already absolved us.
Detractors of the Cuban Revolutions should realize that all revolutions in the end involve the suppression of the rights of the overthrown class or classes. Cuba was no exception, and many abuses have been reported, especially by the pro-western press. But no one can deny that the existence of the American embargo and all the bizarre attempts to kill Fidel and destroy the Revolution have delayed reforms that would have improved the lives and expanded the human rights of many Cubans, especially in the political/social field. The Cubans appear, however, to have challenged head-on the desire of the capitalist West to confine human rights solely or primarily to such political or social issues as freedom of speech etc. But for them, the ability of all to eat, to find housing, education and health care on an equal footing was more important in the early stages of the revolution than the expression of individual political rights. With normalization of relations with America, the road should be clearer for the attainment of far more individual rights than was previously possible and for Cuba to play its full role in regional and world affairs.
Since when was “the left” ever right?
Are you saying that Castro’s communism was right in Cuba in the beginning when it bared its teeth and tore away the basic freedoms of the people; freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of worship?
I had friends from Canada who were working (legally) in Cuba when the revolution struck under Castro and they had to flee the country leaving behind ALL their possessions except the clothes on their backs. The home they had built was destroyed.
A personal friend of mine who was the senior pastor of a large church in Toronto visited Cuba on missionary business. He was arrested and taken in for questioning. They said he was a CIA agent.
“The left was right all along”? If you made a statement like that during the “cold war” in the USA you would risk coming under FBI investigation.
Obama makes some of us in Canada nervous.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
From Castro made it known he did not want a democratic free Cuba. The Communist Revolution in Cuba violated not only the principles of freedom but showed itself to a cruel and indecent movement.
We know religious workers who where legally in Cuba representing their church in Canada. They were forced to flee Cuba leaving all their possessions behind including watches and jewelry. Later when they were able to return for a few days they found the beautiful home they had built had been destroyed. They were never able to resume their church work even though the Cuban people wanted them.
Castro has not changed. Communism in Cuba has nor changed. The communist regime in Cuba gives communism its closest base to America and Canada.
The one thing harder to understand than Obama restoring US diplomatic relations with Cuba is the leaders of sovereign diplomatic nations in the western world applauding him.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist
You are so wrong.
“It signifies the survival of the Revolution and the right of the Cuban people to determine the course of their development independently of external interference, especially from the United States and the West.”
The Cuban people have had absoutly NO right to determine the course of their development. That determination fell on one man. Castro. As for independance from external interference, what about Russia and China?
You need to check your history books before you make such false statements.
Castro was under – and is still under – demonic influence.
This is evident by his attitude towards Christ and His gospel.
He was a Catholic turned communist turned dictator who robbed his people of their freedoms to gain favor with Russia. Castro though communism was a dynamic model for government, a ticket to success. It failed!
It is obvious cash strapped Cuba has something to gain from accepting Obama’s olive branch. It is more difficult to see what America has to gain by offering it. Is Obama saying by his actions the communist revolution in Cuba had merit and previous American presidents were wrong?
It is sad to see leaders of smaller developing countries trusting the wisdom of the American president who decriminalized buggery and is trying to force all his States to legalize same sex “marriages”. If they were Christians they would trust the Word of God which will never pass away.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
You are absolutely right about this.
What happened in Cuba was not the will and work of the people. But it should be a warning to every island nation in the Caribbean.
What happened in Cuba happened because the people sat and their hands, and said “What will be will be.” Many didn’t know what was happening. Others watched.
An American president already weakened by his rejection of the Word of God and vulnerable to Satan’s lies allowed himself to be out stared by a communist dictator. Those who favor his acceptance of Cuba
know nothing about Castro’s deceit in leading (misleading) the people of Cuba – who had few resources by which to evaluate the man – into communism.
Had they been able to see the lack of content in communism and foresee its collapse it would have been a different story. Intelligent democratic freedom loving people would have risen up and the history of Cuba would read much differently today.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International…
Really Dominicans? Whilst you are distracted by the internal affairs of Cuba You fail to see Dominica is slipping into the ABYSS. Our God given Rights are being stripped from us and the systemic erosion of our Democracy is well on it’s way. Wake up people and rise up!! Take a stand for something and stop sounding like empty Cymbals. Get your collective minds together and start a movement . Save our country before it’s too late.
You criticize THE Arthie Martins and THE Bernard Wilshires , yet, I don’t see anyone taking up the mantle and coming up with any Revolutionary ideas. At least they made their Mark and are relevant enough to make mention of in this discourse. Denigrate all you like but, don’t be so quick to pass judgement .
What a diversion from what I have always seen here. Great job doctor Wiltshire. Many Good responses. Kept me reading and thinking. Still attempting to make the right contribution.
Although I have some fundamental differences with Dr. Wiltshire, I must say this is the best written OPED I have read on DNO. The last one I forced myself to finish was full of malapropism and many sequences of stringed long or rare words tied together by disjointed opinions. Cuba’s dictators survived but at what price? Finally the use gave in but not because they were overwhelmed by the determined will of the Cuban populace but rather because of the capacity of the Castro’s to watch their people suffer. Communist is dead, “the pigs who outlawed two legged walking, walked on two legs for too long.” The left needs to upgrade and become less dogmatic and more progressive. Subjugation by your friends are no less inhumane to the suffers, than by your enemies
Bernard Wiltshire is a leftist who did not support the struggle for political independence. Big hypocrite.
Best Commentary I have ever read on DNO!
Not one mention of the fact that it was UWP led by Edison James that open diplomatic relations with Cuba. It amazes me that some people are even suggesting that it was Skerritt that welcomed Cuba into the fold of regional politics. When the same Edison James rebuked the USA for challenging the banana regimel.
Obama’s decision is mainly motivated by economic reasons, but in his heart, he still strongly condemns the communist regim, this horrible 55 years of dictatorship and its drastic effect on cuban’s life ( the average wage is 20 us dollar )
No opposition tolerated, no free speeches, no free election, no free traveling, …
Unfortunately, DA supports dictatorships like Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia etc…and all the rest of the ALBA gang.
shame, shame, shame… !
really, what economic reason?
and if he is doing it for economic reason and not because he believes, is that not selling his soul?
Just face the fact… the 50 year plan to bring Cuba to it knees failed.
Failed because it was evil in intent and execution.
The Cuban people won, the “western” news misled you, thats all there is to it.
and btw. Venezuela, probably is is Best example of democracy in the Americas, including US.
yet you label “dictatorship” again because the western news tell you so.
kubulol,kubulol,kubulol! You are infantile when it comes to politricks. Obama , Mamo Reagan, Castro(s) Chavez,Maduro,Con ED, PJ ,OJ, and last Skrit & Starlight. All of them is one comes.
I rest my case bro!
O.k wiltshire why don’t you just move to the communnist-socialist paradise of cuba. These people who love and kiss communist cuba-castro A**. They will never reside there.
The question must be asked if Mr. Wiltshire supports the non-democratic one-party system in Cuba. The absence of a free press, the imprisonment of those with dissenting views, who oppose the government. The strict control of communications and access to world media. I sincerely like his views on these, which he entitled to express in the Dominica, and certainly the U.K. without fear and hinder.
I stand with most of the rest of the world for the normalization of U.S. relations with Cuba but to use this sentiment as a justification for a broad-sweeping statement that the left was right all along is too much. It is a clever play on words and I admire Mr. Wiltshire’s skill at that. The main proponent of this process was the Pope, who may be a social democrat at best but can hardly be classified a s a hard-core left-wing firebrand.
That’s what Jaime communicated to you from the grave man ! lol
And the point is?????
POTATO MOUNTAIN bLA, BLA
Sir the only thing I agree with you on is the will of Fidel Castro and the cubans then, to stand up to american imperialistic behavior back in the days. The only revolutionary leader I know of who was wise enough to realize that a leader of a revolution is not the best political leader is the great Nelson Mandela.
Fidel Castro used the sentiments of revolution to keep his people under communism. To gain legitimacy in the region and the world Cuba has been giving aid and education, medical and military assistance to any country who are either desperate financially or to antagonize the US. We have seen the same recent behavior from Venezuela. Meant time their people are poor, lack open education, lack basic needs, and their true potential suppressed.
Take a Good look at China. For those of you thinking communism works I say you are sick in your brains. Who is more into capitalism than China today? Cuba is more in need of the US than vice versa for their political system is outdated and
Dr. Wiltshire you are partially right ,only partially but the leftist of Dominica did not endure till the end, they abandon their ideals to this present type of capitalism & materialism look at them now all feeding at the trough.
Best comment thus far. Tell Forrester the denizen.
That was silver bird’s comment am referring to.
It is hard to endure to the end when you see your political philosophy is not working. There comes a time when the only intelligent thing to do is backtrack. Communism did not produce the utopia it promised. It did not work. Store shelves were bare.
Russia was a global showcase for Communism (read socialism). But Communism failed in Russia. Karl Marx himself was a failure and his family was a disaster. When the iron curtain collapsed in Russia and the Soviet Union broke up the heads of the Communist Party, the KGB, and the Secret Police (three men) all committed suicide the same day.
A famous church building had been closed under communism. The week after the fall of Communism a large sign stood in front of the sanctuary reading THE LAMB WON
No further explanation was necessary. People knew God was back in business! The faithful flocked to the church on Sunday.
JESUS IS LORD
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
The struggle continues against racism, white supremacy, oppression and control of the masses’ minds.
ONE LOVE
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Back to the Dr.
Almost all the leftist in the 70s and 80s had their U.S. visa, Ron Green was even a citizen while blasting America.PM Skerrit and his crew who always ready to criticise the U.S if the government says any thing about Cuba or Venezuela yet his wife went not China,Cuba Nor Venezuela but THE U S of A to give birth.
Obama should demand some thing from Castro at lease freedom for the people.Obama is just bailing out Cuba,and I understand what he is doing he made it clear “I am going to change the U.S.A.” Russia’s economy is in trouble also Venezuela this two countries depends on oil and they are the ones helping Cuba,just three weeks ago I paid $2.15 for a gallon gas and I am sure if I return to this filling station it will be less an $2.00.
We are being told by the left and Muslims that America is the great satan is a repressive nation
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Dominica never had leftist. We experience radicalism by power angry people who had no alternative policy. Those people identified with the urban elites of Roseau in opposition to a socialist labour party who have a national ideology. The labour party always had an all inclusive foreign policy which supported Cuba, Venezuela and one china policy on recognizing China.
Wilshire Arthie and their groups are all radicals like the clerics of the middle east.
We should say the Hon Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt was right in advocating diplomatic acceptance of Cuba and China as part of Dominica’s foreign policy.
Emile Shoes!
You make me laugh so much after reading your crap. Who is P.M Skrit? You think this guy understand anything going on there? Honestly? You failed to realize the guy don’t have it to comprehend the dynamics and relies on the few mis-educated advisors who direct him?
When you refer to Leadership do not confuse it with Leadergoat. Do you know the ceole word cooleve?
@Malgraysa……… Why are you trying to belittle our PM who is on his way to a record 20 years as leader of our country. This is an acceptable historical fact, a record that you can boasts to your grand kids, also he is the world youngest PM. I hope this will make you laugh even harder.
You made me laugh when you implied that you have no crap, even titiwi have crap. An other funny is the name MALGRAYSA, I know what MAGRAYSA means. I also know that words beginning with MAL means nothing good, like MALENTETE, MALDONTAY,MALCIVILIZAY,MALCASAY.
I also know what cooleve means. I saw two of them…… a.black one with a white underbelly, and a black and white one I saw them at savanne at Penville that is near the Demaytrie river. I also know that people with blue faces and green eyes are full of envy and jelousy and can only make MAL (BAD) remarks about successful leaders. They are like obeah people they never amount to much. If the crap fits wear it.
Great job sir. It is people like you who have the brain to educate us. Well done. Anymore to share?
Sir, you are wrong and I disagree with your assertion when you said.”
“None ocan deny that the existence of the America embargo and all the bizarre attempts to kill Fidel have delayed the reforms that would have improved the lives, and expanded the human rights of many Cubans”
Almost all nations, if not all have no embargo on Cuba.They sharing ambassadors and have a good working relationship with Cuba and you want me to believe that the U.S. is to be blamed for the poverty.?
In 2010 there were 2000 political prisoners in Cuba,now 8400.If lifting the embargo will enable the Cuban people to work for themselves buy and build the house of their choice and have a say in the location.Have the right to own a boat ,the right to attend university even though they do not support the revolution also have the right to have internet service and can spend a day or two in a hotel.The freedom to speak and the right to vote and support a political party of their choice,then OK if
Leftist ideology is just that – ideology. Human nature contrasts with the fundamental basis of these ideologies (comunism, socialism). We are competitive by nature, which is why captialism is so successful. Instead of just pointing at the flaws in the already established system (poverty etc) we should try to look for ways to solve them. Just replacing one system with another is no solution.
Venezuela is a classic example of failure. The government was too concerned about propagating ideology to be worried about the slew of problems that was slowly bringing the country down into decadence. While Sr. Chavez was blasting the west for their imperialism etc, his own officials back home had been cheating the country for years
Dr. Willy, you and the discredited left are just looking for relevance and will use any opportunity to claim. Communism has failed and the communism regimes that are around are those which have accepted free markets principles, e.g. China and Russia. Cuba survived not by its own efforts, but by the props of its economy by the Russians and the Venezuelans. No longer to depend on these props, the rulers have now realized some relations with the U.S. is needful. The slide has started and the like the left in DA which never had relevance, the Castros will become irrelevant and Cuba will be free and democratic market economy much like Eastern Europe. There will be no rise for the left from the ash heap of history.
This sound more like the rooster taking credit for ‘the dawn’.
On the contrary, this turn of events shows that leftism is a epic failure. The Cuban regime lost their Soviet patrons when communism failed there, and now the Castros are willing to swallow their pride and open up to the Americans now that Maduro’s crumbling socialist regime can no longer afford to prop them up. There’s a reason that people are the most prosperous where markets are most free.
Seems U were schooled on one side. Who is this forest did he acquire his Steve in the forests of DA
Meant Denizen.
My bad.
When one tries to be too clever it ceases to be amusing.
Take notice, Political polarisation and the cold war is over. This has been replaced by marketing for\and wealth accumulation. Already Americans are talking about billion dollar investment opportunities in Cuba.
PS is that Ports mouth Sec? lol Okay clear AH.
Well said Dr.Willy 4 Roseau. I am one of those from MND-DLM-Authentic-DLP Left.
Like in From Columbus to Castro. Like in Alfrey- B4 Skritism who has read Dr.Walter Rodney’s How Europe underdeveloped Africa as in How Skrit screwed up the Commonwealth Of DA.
What do you personally tell those who have join the parties thru opportunism massive betrayal moving to the neo farcists Blues of 1988-2000 & post. Those who moved from MND-DLM -DLP -UWP & -DLP and back -UWP(including self/U)The brother in Laplane etc those Athie trained and got the privilages and became politically impotent to those who became phds in reverse of what it means.Those in the diaspora who supported every party which took power only to fall out in the end.
Finally those like me bro Parra and others who just laugh at U guys who have found selves inall kinds of social and political deviations.
Some of us who are watching ,listening and wondering how this moroon became P.M after all our strugglses of over4 decades.
2 the opportunists. I concur LMAO.
Since 2004 a lot of them jumped onboard the Neo DLP train going nowhere at full speed.
Those you spoke about more so the “Three Blind mice” of Athie what have they contributed?
What a shame. The oter one you mentioned from the West Coast from MND-DLM-DLP-UWP-To the Russians-Neo DLP back to UWP at the 11th Hour the same one who said in 85″ if the P.M to be gives me the post of AG, I will accept” to going on to calling him a dictator later after their loss in 2000.
If this is not opportunism with a human face don’t blame the Neo cons posing as Authentic DLP
I rest my as I await the usual moderation ad infinitum as I continue to LMAO real loud from where I sit even if it’s not where I stand.
1995 that should read even if he did lose to The knighted one LMAO again. Knighted wow!
Well said Bernard. Stay safe brother. Blind hatred against Cuba was wrong, just as the strangulation of Haiti was wrong. Now we all have to work to improve on the Revolution – keep the good and discharge the bad.
Bernard,
I mostly agree with you, but those basic political rights were suppressed for too long, not only for those of the oppressing class, but for everyone who desired change in Cuba.
Castro did a god thing at the time, but the current ruling class in Cuba should have done more to sped up change away from that acronistic system. Eastern Europe did it 25 years ago and they aremuch better off than Cubans will be for a long time. I have been travdlling to Eastern Europe for the past 15 years and I have seen the transformation over the years. In talking to these people, they have no desire to teyirn yo this system. I think the Cubsn people will say the same thing in 30 years.
By the way Cuba stands to benefit way more from the new order than the Americans. I am not sure I would characterized that as a victory. Obama is a pragmatist and having nothing to lose, he did the right thing in moving the dialogue among to where we are today.
Nice article mr Wiltshire.
A great article. Thank you Sir for reminded us of a 53 year old struggle against imperialism.
That should have been “reminding.”
Thanks Dr. Willy. A luta continua. Always an inspiration, your work’s fruition is a reality of struggle. JAH bless.