Castries, February 22, 2025. – Saint Lucia commemorated this Saturday the 46th anniversary of its independence with a series of events celebrating the nation’s rich culture, history, and the resilient spirit of its people.

On February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia emerged as an independent nation, marking a milestone in its history. This event not only represents freedom from colonial rule but also the rebirth of a rich and diverse cultural identity.

A grand parade was the highlight of the celebrations, held under the theme: “Douvan Ansanm: Health and Well-being for a Prosperous Nation,” at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds.

The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia welcomed the presence of the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, along with ambassadors, high commissioners, and other distinguished guests.

Additionally, a concert was held in the afternoon to celebrate this important date for Saint Lucia and the entire region, which remains committed to sovereignty and the unity of its people.

The Prime Minister of the island, Philip Pierre, welcomed all attendees and emphasized the significance of this occasion for the nation and the Caribbean.

During his address to locals and visitors, Pierre highlighted that the Government of Saint Lucia has focused its efforts on prioritizing health, the economy, and education.

History

Saint Lucia was colonized by Europeans in the 17th century, passing between British and French rule multiple times. Over the years, the struggle for self-determination began to take shape, influenced by anti-colonial movements across the Caribbean.

During the 1950s and 1960s, political movements advocating for autonomy emerged. In 1967, Saint Lucia achieved internal self-government, laying the foundation for an increasing desire for independence. National leaders began organizing and mobilizing the population in pursuit of a sovereign nation.

Declaration of Independence

Finally, on February 22, 1979, under the leadership of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and its Prime Minister, Allan Louisy, the island proclaimed its independence from the United Kingdom. The celebration was a moment of joy and national pride, symbolizing the end of centuries of colonialism.

Since gaining independence, Saint Lucia has worked to establish itself as a democratic and prosperous nation. Although it has faced economic and social challenges, the spirit of unity and resilience remains strong among its citizens.

February 22 is celebrated annually with parades, music, and activities that honor the country’s history and culture.

The independence of Saint Lucia is a reminder of the power of the people to fight for their freedom. As the nation moves forward, its history continues to be a source of inspiration for all Saint Lucians.

Caracas, February 21, 2025 – In a tragic event that shook the nation, Augusto Nicolás Calderón Sandino, born in Niquinohomo, Nicaragua, was assassinated along with some of his subordinates on the night of February 21, 1934, by members of the National Guard under the command of Anastasio Somoza García.

Sandino was a prominent revolutionary leader and a fervent defender of national sovereignty and the rights of the Nicaraguan people.

From an early age, Sandino committed himself to fighting against the injustices afflicting his country, becoming a central figure in the Nicaraguan revolutionary movement.

His activism led him to organize and mobilize entire communities in defense of labor rights and indigenous autonomy. He was an outspoken critic of foreign interventions and advocated for a free and sovereign Nicaragua.

Throughout his life, Sandino stood out for his ability to unite different social sectors around the common cause of social justice. His leadership inspired many young activists, and his legacy remains a symbol of resistance against oppression.

The news of his assassination caused deep distress among his people and human rights activists worldwide.

The community organized demonstrations in various cities to honor his memory and demand justice for this irreparable loss.

The struggle for the ideals Sandino defended continues, and his principles will remain a guiding force for those seeking a more just future for Nicaragua.

Havana, February 19, 2025 – The books ‘Irreversibilidad’ and ‘La Alianza de Simón Bolívar’ (Irreversibility and The Alliance of Simón Bolívar), authored by the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, were presented this Wednesday at the Havana International Book Fair in Cuba.

Representing the Alliance’s Secretariat was editor Nerliny Carucí, who highlighted the deeply moving nature of both texts. “In 2022, Arreaza presented ‘Irreversibility’ and ‘The Alliance of Simón Bolívar’ at the Venezuela Book Fair, these are two profoundly stirring books, as he masterfully blends argumentation with emotion,” Carucí emphasized.

Arreaza echoes the words of the renowned educator Simón Rodríguez: ‘We must make people feel.’ Likewise, Carucí asserted that ‘The Alliance of Simón Bolívar’ encapsulates the essence of the unity of nations and the redemption of the past as a path toward integration.

Carucí noted that in both books, Arreaza presents ideas that inspire action, as well as the ideals of a multipolar and pluricentric world. “His writing style allows the reader to vividly picture what is happening,” she explained.

Regarding ‘Irreversibility’, the editor stated that it serves as a powerful pedagogical document, capable of capturing Commander Hugo Chávez’s ability to foresee the future “and to understand what we needed.”

Jorge Arreaza’s writings illustrate the deep connection between the Venezuelan people and Hugo Chávez.

Both books are available in print as well as digitally on the ALBA-TCP website: https://www.albatcp.org/libros/, where they can be downloaded.

Caracas, February 18, 2025 – This Tuesday, the Bolivarian Military Academy of Venezuela continued its training series on the fusion of popular, military, and police forces, organized by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

The master class, focused on the economic aggression against Venezuela, was led by Deputy Minister for Anti-Blockade Policies, William Castillo.

Before hundreds of students and academy members, Castillo recalled that economic measures imposed by foreign nations have directly impacted the quality of life of Venezuelans.

He highlighted that the Bolivarian Revolution, together with the people and President Nicolás Maduro, has implemented strategies to overcome the damage caused by sanctions. “We still have to recover, but we are in a new phase (…) This blockade is an act of aggression against the country,” Castillo asserted.

He emphasized that Venezuela has been under attack since the beginning of the Bolivarian Revolution, more than 25 years ago. “We have more than 500 measures imposed by the United States, but we also face sanctions from other countries,” he added.

In total, 1,028 sanctions have been imposed on the Bolivarian Republic, some directly targeting public officials, while others indirectly affect the country’s financial and economic transactions.

Despite these challenges, Castillo stressed that the oil industry is experiencing renewed growth thanks to the efforts of workers, alongside progress in other sectors of society. “This translates into greater revenue for the country,” he stated.

Gas exports, national food production, and increased oil output are among the advantages Venezuela is now seeing to improve its citizens’ quality of life. “We are on the path to becoming a major gas-producing power,” the Deputy Minister added.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Military Academy, Brigadier General Crismarth Mavo, affirmed that Venezuela seeks nothing more than self-determination. “This nation has set an example for the entire world—it is a people that, despite sanctions, is recovering,” he concluded.

Havana, February 18, 2025 – Within the framework of the 33rd Havana International Book Fair in Cuba, the Hugo Chávez Hall at the Morro Cabaña Military Complex served as the stage this February 18 for the presentation of the ALBA de los Pueblos Collection.

Representing the Executive Secretariat of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), and as compiler of the books, Nerliny Carucí introduced the three publications from the regional bloc’s editorial house: El Imperialismo al desnudo; El desafío y el sentido histórico de la unidad y Crisis ambiental global y el laberinto de un sistema en decadencia.

On behalf of Jorge Arreaza, ALBA-TCP’s Executive Secretary, Carucí stated that ALBA de los Pueblos is a pressing need that places thought at the center. “It is an invitation to act, to take action,” she added.

“Today, we are here representing the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America. I bring you greetings from Comrade Jorge Arreaza, who has always been committed to the battle of ideas—ideas for action,” she emphasized.

Nerliny Carucí stressed that ALBA de los Pueblos was conceived as a reflection on current events: “to think about what we experience, what affects us, and even the ways in which we relate to one another.”

She highlighted the region’s significant commitment to reflecting on the present era, which is undergoing a civilizational crisis, “a crisis that overwhelms us from all sides.”

Carucí stated that this ALBA-TCP collection encourages “thinking about our own way of thinking (…) We must analyze our thought processes.”

She declared: “We must begin to understand the crisis we are living through, to recognize the conditioned reflexes that shape our understanding. That is why this collection is divided into two series: one titled ‘The Real Threats to Humanity’ and the other ‘The Anti-Systemic Alternatives of the Peoples.’ Our task is to analyze the problems that afflict and pain us as peoples, to understand and expose the root causes of our struggles.”

Each book, available at this fair, is more than just words—it holds the power of analyzing reality in order to confront and transform it.

ALBA de los Pueblos also promotes the unity of peoples, the sovereignty of nations, and the legitimacy conferred by communities.

‘El imperialismo al desnudo’ is a compilation by Jorge Arreaza and Nerliny Carucí; ‘El desafío y el sentido histórico de la unidad’ is compiled by the Executive Secretary; and ‘Crisis ambiental global y el laberinto de un sistema en decadencia’ is authored by Jorge Arreaza, edited by Francisco Herrera, Nerliny Carucí, and Daniel Lew.

Now in its 33rd edition, the Havana International Book Fair is taking place from February 13 to 23, 2025, under the Martían slogan: “Reading is growing”, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Ediciones Territoriales system.

The Republic of South Africa is this year’s Guest of Honor, under the motto “A Whole Country in Books”. The fair is also dedicated to the 130th anniversary of José Martí’s passing into immortality and features a rich artistic and cultural program.

Caracas, February 12, 2025 – The Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army of Venezuela served as the venue this Tuesday for a training cycle on the popular, military, and police fusion, organized under the framework of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

The institution’s director, Brigadier-General Crismarth Mavo, welcomed the attendees and asserted that these times reveal the true fruits of the popular, military, and police fusion, as well as the consolidation of the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, opened the conference with the theme “ALBA-TCP: Legacy of Unity.” In this regard, he began his address by greeting the Army and affirming that defending Venezuela’s independence means defending the peoples of the world.

Furthermore, he stated that numerous proposals for the BRICS are being developed through the Alliance and the ALBA Bank. “We have a common economic zone, we have Petrocaribe (…) From the ALBA bloc, we propose a Political Council within BRICS,” he added.

The Executive Secretary emphasized that the regional bloc shares a common feeling with its counterparts: “And that common feeling is that our peoples have the right to be happy, that our peoples must be free, with access to food and healthcare. That is why I urge you to study ALBA, to protect ALBA,” he declared.

Likewise, he stressed that as part of the coordination with the military sector, the Bolivarian Alliance is also focused on defending its member countries in the event of any imperial aggression.

Arreaza asserted that the Bolivarian Army is called upon to defend the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance should they require it.

He further stated, “Our continent, even from Mexico, has the characteristics to be a great unifying project. We share many values, we share the land, we share the language—this is the project of Simón Bolívar. To have a voice, to make an impact on the world, we must unite.”

For his part, special guest Salvador Tavera, 14 years old, expressed that what was once the dream of Commanders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez has become a beacon of hope.

“The Alliance is for the people because it is conceived from a socialist foundation; it is trade for the people, it is the unity of the people,” he emphasized.