On a significant Friday morning, the streets of Havana were awash with a sea of Cuban flags and resonated with the fervent chants of “Down with the blockade.” Approximately 700,000 Cubans marched outside the U.S. Embassy, uniting in a powerful call to end Washington’s decades-long economic blockade against their nation and to remove Cuba from the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Leading the march was Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, accompanied by former president Raul Castro. Standing before the massive crowd, Diaz-Canel delivered a vehement condemnation of the United States’ policies towards Cuba. He labeled the terrorist designation as “false and immoral,” accusing the U.S. of perpetuating a narrative that unjustly stigmatizes the island nation.
“The United States persists in its efforts to break our resolve,” Diaz-Canel declared. “But they will only find rebellion and unwavering determination.”
He criticized the U.S. for training paramilitary groups aimed at destabilizing Cuba’s infrastructure and denounced the continuation of harsh economic measures from the Trump administration under President Biden’s leadership. Describing the blockade as “ruthless,” Diaz-Canel emphasized that while Cubans hold no hostility toward the American people, they will stand firm against any attempts to undermine their sovereignty or socialist system.
The diverse assembly of protesters included families, healthcare workers, students, and international supporters. Among them was Yanquiel Cardoso, a father marching with his young son. Cardoso wore a shirt proclaiming, “Cuba sponsors peace, love, and unity,” while his son donned one that read, “I want to grow up without a blockade.” Expressing frustration, Cardoso referred to the blockade as “cruel and inhumane,” lamenting its hindrance on Cuba’s development.
Healthcare professionals were prominently represented in the march. Silvia Juliana Casadiego, a medical student from Colombia studying in Cuba, praised the nation’s commitment to global solidarity despite its own challenges. “Despite its limitations, Cuba always extends a helping hand—not just to Colombia, but all of Latin America,” she remarked, condemning the U.S. sanctions.
Cuban medical student Kevin Perez highlighted the severe impact of U.S. policies on the country’s healthcare system. “Healthcare has been one of the most affected sectors,” he explained, “but we will always stand to defend our homeland.”
This protest marked the first large-scale demonstration in years outside the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana aimed specifically at denouncing the blockade. The overwhelming turnout underscored the Cuban people’s desire for change and the lifting of policies that have long strained everyday life on the island.
As the march progressed, the unity among the protesters sent a clear message to Washington: the Cuban people are steadfast in their pursuit of sovereignty and the right to forge their own path without external interference.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
