New York, September 28, 2024 – This Saturday, the event “Latin America speaks: solidarity against the empire” was held at the Apollo Theater in New York, where social movements expressed their solidarity with the peoples of Cuba, Venezuela, and Palestine, all facing aggression from foreign forces.

During the gathering, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, emphasized that with the victory of President Nicolás Maduro on July 28, all conspiracies orchestrated from the United States had been dismantled, “They have been destroyed, and they will not succeed.”

“The Bolivarian Revolution has dismantled all conspiracies. This is the time of the peoples, and no people can be defeated. The peoples of the world are rising, they will triumph, they will fight against imperialism, and they will win,” Gil declared.

He added, “To defeat imperialism, we must break the neck of fascism and neo-Nazism, and we will succeed. I send each of you a message of solidarity: in Venezuela, we are fighting, we are standing strong, we are on the offensive, and we are winning.”

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, also called for the lifting of the unjust and inhumane blockade against his country and urged solidarity with Venezuela and Nicaragua.

“We are all aware of what is at stake in Venezuela. The Venezuelan people have the right to defend their revolution, a truly independent process against imperialist attacks. Long live the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution, long live Venezuela!” Rodríguez proclaimed.

Rodríguez also warned that imperialism doesn’t stop there, noting its intervention in the internal affairs of Honduras and the government led by President Xiomara Castro.

Manolo De Los Santos, coordinator of The People’s Forum movement, highlighted the resilience of Cuba, saying, “The children of Cuba have taught us to never stop smiling in the face of the enemy. Their song and dance remind us that we will never be defeated.”

Vijay Prashad, director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, criticized Western leaders for their disregard for Palestine, stating that they do not want the war to end. He called on the peoples of the world to rise up against the genocide in Gaza and to stop the aggression spreading throughout the Middle East.

Lameess Mohammed, leader of the Palestinian Youth Movement, emphasized the need for awareness about the damage caused by the brutal assault on Palestine.

The solidarity event concluded with expressions of support and chants in favor of the peoples being oppressed by U.S. imperialism, as well as a performance by La Colmenita, Cuba’s renowned children’s theater company.

New York, September 28, 2024 – The Republic of Cuba, represented by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, where he demanded the lifting of the unjustified embargo against Cuba and warned of attempts to incite violence in Venezuela.

“We denounce the attempts to provoke violence and destabilization in Venezuela. We reaffirm our firm support and solidarity with the Bolivarian, Chavista government and the civic-military union of the Venezuelan people, led by President Nicolás Maduro Moros. The calls to disregard the electoral results are irresponsible and disrespectful of the popular will and its legitimate institutions,” stated Cuba’s Foreign Minister.

At the UN headquarters, Rodríguez reminded the Assembly that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) declared the region a zone of peace in Havana.

“That historic commitment is more relevant than ever. Every day, we defend peace and multilateralism in the face of unilateral coercive measures that seriously harm Syria, Belarus, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Russia, Cuba, and other nations,” he emphasized.

Rodríguez also expressed Cuba’s support for the legitimate right to self-determination and independence of Puerto Rico, while noting that the international community has a historical debt to Haiti, “the protagonist of the first anti-slavery, social, and independence revolution on the continent.”

On the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Cuban Foreign Minister declared, “The genocide against the Palestinian people must end unconditionally and without delay. Israel, with the complicity of the United States, has placed the world on the brink of a large-scale conflagration. The reckless aggression against Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and the peoples of the Middle East will have consequences that are difficult to estimate.”

New York, September 28, 2024 – Grenada’s Prime Minister and Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dickon Mitchell, emphasized the importance of proper digital education for empowering Caribbean youth during the fifth day of debates at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Proper digital education represents the democratization of opportunities, and international cooperation is crucial in this effort. If we bridge the digital divide, we will empower our youth to find solutions that will not only benefit Grenada but the rest of the world as well,” Mitchell stressed.

He noted that advancing digital and technological capabilities will foster new partnerships to combat climate change, which disproportionately affects Caribbean nations through hurricanes and floods.

In his view, nature has sent a clear warning, and there is a plan to harness technology—from drones to assess storm damage, to early warning systems that enhance preparedness—but international support is essential.

Grenada stands for Cuba and Haiti

Prime Minister Mitchell, whose country is a member of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), expressed solidarity with the Republic of Cuba. He called attention to the harm caused by the U.S. embargo, stating, “We reiterate our call for the removal of the blockade against Cuba and for the country to be taken off the list of state sponsors of terrorism. CARICOM is deeply concerned that the Cuban people have endured this imposition for 60 years, which serves no constructive purpose and inflicts significant harm on the Cuban population.”

Regarding Haiti, he declared, “We urge the international community to support the humanitarian mission in Haiti to alleviate the crisis, particularly to help Haitian children gain access to education.”

Mitchell concluded by underscoring the resilience of Caribbean peoples, stating, “Resilience is part of our essence. We rise from the harshest circumstances, finding new ways not just to survive but to thrive.”

New York, September 27, 2024 – Saint Lucia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alva Romanus Baptiste, expressed deep concern over the effects of climate change on small nations during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized the need for international support for the most affected countries by this global crisis.

Baptiste stressed the urgency of building a political agenda to address climate change, stating that the world owes compensation to these nations for “the injustice of the climate crisis we are enduring, caused by the countries that have driven their own economic development.”

Regarding global issues, Baptiste made clear that Saint Lucia “condemns terrorism in all its forms, regardless of who commits it or where it occurs,” with a particular focus on the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

He also reminded the Assembly that “since its independence, Saint Lucia has called for the recognition and establishment of the Palestinian State,” and condemned the “unnecessary obstacles that still prevent this from happening.”

Baptiste further emphasized that no State should become complicit in the aggression against the Palestinians, asserting that “the solution is neither impossible nor out of reach: the Palestinian people must be able to exercise their right to self-determination.”

In reference to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Baptiste pointed out that the right to self-determination means that this nation should be allowed to manage its own internal affairs without interference from other states.

Lastly, he condemned the sanctions and blockades imposed on brother nations, expressing solidarity with both Cuba and Venezuela.

New York, September 27, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, called on Friday for the removal of U.S. sanctions against countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

“We call for the lifting of sanctions against countries like Cuba; these are senseless measures that limit their economic development. It is time to break the chains of this outdated measure, which no longer serves the interests of our modern, interconnected world. Let us work together for a future based on respect and cooperation,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that the United Nations must address the issue of arms manufacturing and export. “I will address the crucial issue of small and light arms being exported from wealthy countries to our shores, creating instability and chaos. I urge the United States and other countries that produce these weapons to establish systems to limit the export of these lethal arms to our nations.”

He also called for serious attention to be given to climate justice, especially by the larger, more polluting nations.

Browne condemned the ongoing armed conflicts around the world. “Let us give peace a chance in Gaza, in Yemen. The anguish caused by wars spreads anguish across the world. It is humanity as a whole that bleeds. (…) Conflict kills not only the victims of bullets and bombs but also diminishes all of us as human beings.”

New York, September 26, 2024. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frederick Stephenson, stated on Thursday that the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) has become a strong alternative for the unity and integration of Latin American and Caribbean nations.

During the 24th Meeting of the ALBA-TCP Political Council, held in New York in the context of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the diplomat highlighted that the “spirit of unity” embodied by the organization is reflected in the Jamaica Letter, which condenses the vision and liberation projects for Latin America.

“The principles of our great liberators are brought to life through our founding leaders, Hugo Chávez Frías and Fidel Castro, who in their infinite wisdom, established this alliance. In the joint declaration that created ALBA, our leaders affirmed that the cardinal principle guiding this bloc is the highest sense of solidarity between the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Stephenson noted. He added that, 19 years after the founding of this organization on December 14, 2004, this vision remains as relevant as ever.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that, since its inception, ALBA-TCP has faced the hostile policies of hegemonic powers, which use economic and financial tools as weapons of war to try and maintain control over free and sovereign nations.

In this context, Stephenson condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

“Indeed, there have been some setbacks, but our alliance continues to advance, grounded in international law and driven by the determination of our leaders to continue pursuing shared development goals for the benefit of our peoples,” he added.

Stephenson urged ALBA-TCP to continue fighting for sovereignty and independence, while strengthening ties with other multilateral organizations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC in Spanish), BRICS, the Southern Common Market (Mercosur in Spanish), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

New York, September 26, 2024 – Within the framework of the XXIV Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the organization, presented the agreements and commitments adopted by member states for the coming months.

In a context of increasing geopolitical tension, Arreaza highlighted the importance of defending the independence, sovereignty, self-determination, and identity of member countries against attempts at political, economic, and digital domination.

During his speech, Arreaza emphasized that ALBA-TCP is undergoing a process of “revitalization” and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Among the key points of the agreement, there was a strong opposition to the installation of military bases in Latin America, reaffirming the declaration of the continent as a “Zone of Peace.” This opposition aligns with ALBA’s stance on preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its member states.

Arreaza also addressed the political situation in the region, condemning the coup attempts in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras over the past year. He also denounced the misuse of the justice system, citing the case of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who remains imprisoned. “Justice cannot be used as a political tool,” he stressed.

The ALBA-TCP declaration included a strong condemnation of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba, demanding its removal from the list of so-called state sponsors of terrorism. Additionally, unilateral coercive measures targeting Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were also firmly rejected.

Another highlighted point was the rejection of conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the government of President Nicolás Maduro, with a proposal to establish a Grand Anti-Fascist International in this context.

ALBA-TCP reiterated its condemnation of the genocide against the Palestinian people and made an urgent call for the cessation of hostilities.

On environmental matters, the Executive Secretary advocated for the establishment of a climate risk mitigation system and commended Antigua and Barbuda for its recent declaration on the issue.

The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the Caribbean, calling for fair treatment and reparations for the damages caused by colonialism and slavery, while committing to pursue a strategic agenda through 2030.

Furthermore, the creation of ALBA-Youth was announced, an initiative aimed at involving young people in the Alliance’s development agenda.

Finally, Arreaza announced that the ALBA-TCP Executive Secretariat is committed to organizing an Extraordinary Summit in December, marking the 20th anniversary of the creation of this multilateral organization and the 30th anniversary of the iconic embrace between Commanders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez in Havana.