July 26, 1953: 70th Anniversary of assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks

Stand with the Cuban People and Their Revolution!

July 26 marks one of the most important dates celebrated in Cuba, Moncada Day or the National Day of Rebellion. Seventy years ago on that day, revolutionary youth led by Fidel Castro launched an attack on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks in Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo respectively, two of the main garrisons of the reactionary dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Moncada in particular was the regime’s military stronghold in the south of Cuba, the second largest barracks in the country and a symbol of its power. The goal was to seize the weapons and distribute them to the people and spark a national uprising that would not only overthrow the Batista dictatorship but also establish Cuba’s independence and sovereignty. The attacks were carried out by an organization that was created in 1952, under the leadership of Fidel Castro.

Reflections on Malcolm X’s legacy

By ISAAC SANEY

February 21st marks the 57th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, who later took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964. As a revolutionary internationalist and a leader of the Black liberation struggle, Malcolm X shaped and influenced a generation of Black activists, artists, revolutionaries and intellectuals. His impact has been profound and lasting. The assassination’s anniversary is, therefore, a time for serious contemplation of his legacy.

Honour to the life and work of the legendary leader of the Cuban people

Cuba today, which has withstood so much yet contributes so much to the well-being of humanity, is a testament to Fidel’s vision for humanity.

On the 95th Anniversary of the Birth of Fidel Castro, August 13, 1926

August 13, 2021 marks the 95th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the legendary leader of the Cuban people and hero to oppressed peoples the world over. On this occasion, the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) sends warmest greetings to the Cuban people and their leadership who live out the call Somos Fidel! (We Are Fidel!) and carry forward the revolutionary struggle embodied by Fidel. Although Fidel died nearly five years ago, the strength of the all-sided socialist nation-building project that he founded and led can be seen in Cuba today as a new generation of Cubans heroically defends the Revolution from the stepped-up criminal and inhumane economic blockade and attempts at counterrevolution by the U.S. imperialists, in the midst of a global pandemic.

Cuba today, which has withstood so much yet contributes so much to the well-being of humanity, is a testament to Fidel’s vision for humanity. Cuba embodies a project which permits the human personality to flourish and practices human rights by upholding the right of a people to exercise control over their destiny.

Webinar: The Life and Legacy of Fidel Castro

Thursday, August 13 — 8:00 pm EDT, 5:00 pm PDT
Organized by U.S.-Cuba Normalization Campaign

To view program and sign up for webinar click here.

Fidel Versus COVID-19 and Beyond

By Iroel Sánchez

Fidel at the National Center of Medical Genetics, with Dr. Juan C. Dupuy Núñez, founding coordinator of the Henry Reeve International Medical Contingent Specialized in Disasters and Serious Epidemics | Granma Archives

The fact that Cuba’s response to the COVID-19 has been far more effective than most countries in the region, including the United States and also several European nations, is a reality that is becoming evident.

Bacteriological war against Cuba

The beginning of more than half a century of bacteriological aggression | JORGE WEJEBE COBO

.(ACN) – On June 1, 1964, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro publicly denounced the use by the US administration of bacteriological warfare against the Cuban people, which the United States denied and started the tradition of ignoring and trying to discredit the charges.

Speech given by Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba, the day of the tragic events that occurred in the United States. September 11, 2001

“None of the present world problems can be solved with the use of force”

August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016

Teachers, construction workers, workers, students, relatives and guests:

We will see how this goes because ceremonies in stadiums, and similar places like this coliseum, are always complicated since part of the audience are behind you, some are on one side, some are on the other, and when somebody calls out, “I can’t hear you,” then the problems begin. (Applause and shouts)

Yesterday (Shouts of: “We can’t hear you over here!”)… All right, then I will leave and talk to you on TV. (Shouts of “No!) Make a bit of an effort. You over there, who seem to be having the hardest time, have some patience and help us to maintain order here today. (Shouts of: “You can hear it, you can feel it, Fidel is here.”)

Gabriel García Márquez, your word is life

As of April 17, five years have passed since the death of the Nobel Prize for Literature winner | Madeleine Sautié Rodríguez

Fidel and García Márquez, two men who will never leave us | Granma Archives

This day. ‘History will absolve me’

Prophesized and fulfilled

Sixty-five years after Fidel delivered his celebrated self-defence, this document continues to capture the essence of the project Cuba has undertaken | ALEJO CARPENTIER

Fidel Castro on John McCain, the Republican Candidate, February 2008

The death of US Senator John McClain on August 25 is being manipulated to once again push slanderous accusations that POWs in Vietnam were tortured by the internationalist Cubans – using the nickname Fidel to identify one of them, who was capable of “torturing a prisoner to death.” For the information of readers, we are reproducing the full five-part essay by Fidel Castro written in February 2008 refuting the slanders of McCain as well as analyzing the nature of his Republican presidential candidacy. For convenience, all are placed on a single web-page. All of the five parts, in all of the languages to which they’ve been translated, are linked at the bottom of this page.

2018 Moncada commemoration: Cuba affirms independence, self-determination and human dignity

The Moncada Barracks shortly after the July 26, 1953 attack. The barracks have been converted into a school and Museum of the Revolution where the bullet holes shown here can be seen to this day.

This Day. The silent sabotage Cuba will never forget

Biological warfare is a crime against humanity. On June 1, 1964, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro denounced, for the first time, the United States’ biological war against Cuba. Granma International interviewed two leading figures in the struggle against hemorrhagic dengue which had been purposefully introduce to the island republic. ALEJANDRA GARCIA

Cuban medical personnel lived very tense days during the epidemic of hemorrhagic dengue in 1981,which broke out across the country | Juventud Rebelde FILE photo

It was a nightmare. Emergency rooms were flooded with children, and then adults, with symptoms that began with what appeared to be those of a common cold, and then worsened rapidly when treated as such. Within a few day at the end of May 1981, all the country’s hospitals and polyclinics were facing the most lethal epidemic experienced since the triumph of the Revolution, and did not know how the disease had suddenly appeared, or how to stop its spread. 

When Africa called, Fidel and Cuba answered

Fidel and Cuba provided an example of the possibility of building relations based on genuine solidarity and social love. ISAAC SANEY*

“The Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts of the peoples of Africa. The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom and justice, unparalleled for its principled and selfless character … Cubans came to our region as doctors, teachers, soldiers, agricultural experts, but never as colonizers. They have shared the same trenches with us in the struggle against colonialism, underdevelopment, and apartheid.” – Nelson Mandela

Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro instilled in the Cuban people the internationalist spirit Mandela spoke about. The country’s dedication to the liberation of Africa is unique in its scope and success.

Speeches at mass tribute in Havana: Fidel Castro Ruz, the undefeated comandante

Remarks by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and by various heads of state and dignitaries invited to attend the massive posthumous tribute to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución, November 29, 2016, Year 58 of the Revolution.

Vigils across Canada pay tribute to Fidel

Across the country, the news of the passing of Fidel Castro, the legendary leader of the Cuban people and hero to the oppressed peoples of the world, was received with great sorrow and profound sympathy for the Cuban people. Events were immediately organized to pay tribute to his life and to say to the Cuban people, “Estamos contigo – we are with you.” Vigils and other activities have taken place daily across the country alongside activities in Cuba and around the world to honour Fidel.

Fidel: Mighty expressions of profound respect, gratitude and social love

Farewell, Dear Comrade, Farewell

Cubans Pay Their Respects to Fidel

Following the death on November 25 at 10:29 pm of the beloved leader of the Cuban people, Fidel Castro Ruz, the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba declared a nine-day period of National Mourning, from 6:00 am on November 26 to 12:00 am on December 4.

Principles are worth more than life itself

– Fidel Castro, 1994 –

Speech given by President Fidel Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, at the closing session of the World Solidarity with Cuba Conference, held in the Karl Marx Theatre, on November 25, 1994, Year 36 of the Revolution.

Statement of the Canadian Network on Cuba

 

Fidel in discussion with Five Cuban Heroes shortly after their return to Cuba, February 28, 2015.

It was with great sorrow and very heavy hearts that the Canada-Cuba solidarity and friendship movement received the news of the passing of Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution. The profound sadness that we all feel in Canada is shared by the progressive, anti-war and social justice forces across the world.

One hundred images of the Cuban Revolution – 1953-1996

Fidel and Raúl Castro and Che Guevara in photo which appears on cover of Cien Imagenes de la Revolucion Cubana

¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre, Fidel!

August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016

With deepest sorrow, the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) learned that on Friday, November 25, at 10:29 pm, Comrade Fidel Castro Ruz, leader of the ever victorious Cuban Revolution, passed away.

We send our profound condolences on this very sad occasion to Comrade Raul Castro and the entire Cuban leadership, to all the Cuban people and their Communist Party and to Comrade Fidel’s family.

Comrade Fidel will live in our hearts in death as he did in life, inspiring us to defy all impediments to human and social progress and to break new ground and reach new heights in all our endeavours. May the revolutionary spirit, fidelity to principle and the profound generosity which characterized Fidel’s every action imbue our thoughts on this very sad day.

¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre!

According to Fidel’s wishes, his body will be cremated on Saturday, November 26. Please join us in mourning Fidel’s passing. All CPC(M-L) meetings and activities are hereby suspended today as we join the Cuban people on this day of sorrow.

Cuba’s Internet bazaar – multimedia, audiovisuals, e-books

Cover for Estela Bravo’s Fidel, la historia no contada (Fidel: The Untold Story).

Documentary filmmaker Estela Bravo’s Fidel, la historia no contada included in the site’s catalogue | Mireya Castañeda

CUBA’S Information Technology and Advanced Electronic Services Enterprise, Citamel, has recently announced the addition of nine new audiovisuals to its multimedia products catalogue of CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, e-books and downloadable documents, available for sale on it internet website, Bazar Cuba.

This electronic sales outlet allows for the acquisition of a great variety of Cuban products via the Internet, and its multimedia offerings, grouped in eight thematic categories, have been very well-received, according to the company.

The birthday

I wish to express my most profound gratitude for the shows of respect, the greetings and the gifts that I have received in recent days, which give me the strength to reciprocate through ideas that I will transmit to the members of our Party and relevant organizations | Fidel Castro Ruz

Celebration of Fidel Castro’s 90th birthday: ¡Fidel 90 y más!: A revolutionary legacy

ISAAC SANEY, National Spokesperson, Canadian Network on Cuba 

“There are men who struggle for a day and they are good. There are men who struggle for
a year and they are better. There are men who struggle many years, and they are better still.
But there are those who struggle all their lives: These are the indispensable ones.”
— Bertolt Brecht

“Fidel! Fidel! Que tiene Fidel que los americanos no pueden con él!””
(Fidel! Fidel! What is it that he has, that the U.S. imperialists can’t defeat him!)
— Cuban Revolutionary chant

On August 13 Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, turns 90. Progressive, anti-war and social justice forces across the world will join in the celebration of the life of one of the world’s most influential and significant leaders. It is especially worthwhile and necessary to mark and valorize the life and times of a man whose heart, without missing a beat, has withstood more than 600 assassination attempts by U.S imperialism.

Worst US defeat since 1812

On April 17, 1961, a mercenary brigade armed, trained and, transported by the CIA, landed at Playa Girón on the Bay of Pigs, as part of Washington’s plans to defeat the nascent Cuban Revolution. The people in uniform, with Fidel on the front lines, defeated the invasion in less than 72 hours | GABRIEL MOLINA FRANCHOSSI in Granma

Fidel on the front lines in Playa Girón | Archivo

(April 7) – General Lauris Norstad, head of Allied Forces in Europe (1956-1963), stated “The Bay of Pigs is the worst defeat of the United States since the War of 1812,” in his analysis of the U.S. government’s failed invasion of Cuba at Playa Girón, on the Bay of Pigs, in 1961.

The War of 1812, unleashed and lost by the U.S. against Canada, was the first attempt at expansion by the 13 colonies which constituted the country in 1776.

Brother Obama

We don’t need the empire to give us anything. Our efforts will be legal and peaceful, because our commitment is to peace and fraternity among all human beings who live on this planet. Fidel Castro Ruz 

(March 28) – The kings of Spain brought us the conquistadores and masters, whose footprints remained in the circular land grants assigned to those searching for gold in the sands of rivers, an abusive and shameful form of exploitation, traces of which can be noted from the air in many places around the country.

Anniversary of assassination of Malcolm X – Reflections on Malcolm X’s legacy

Malcolm X (1925 – 1965) at an outdoor rally, probably in New York City | Bob Parent/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

By ISAAC SANEY

February 21, 2016 marks the 51st anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, who later took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964. As a revolutionary internationalist and a leader of the Black liberation struggle, Malcolm X shaped and influenced a generation of Black activists, artists, revolutionaries and intellectuals. His impact has been profound and lasting. The anniversary of his assassination is, therefore, a time for serious contemplation on his legacy.

History will absolve me… Fidel, 1953

The following is the reconstruction of Fidel Castro’s four-hour speech made on 16 October 1953 in his own defence in court against the charges brought against him after he led the attack on the Moncada Barracks. It was published as La Historia Me Absolvera (History Will Absolve Me) and laid out the national and social goals of the revolutionary movement that eventually triumphed on January 1st, 1959. History has vindicated Moncada!

62 years since Moncada! 62 years of defending independence, justice and dignity!

By Isaac Saney, Co-Chair & Spokesperson, Canadian Network On Cuba

July 26th, 2015 marks the 62nd anniversary of the act that is annually commemorated all over Cuba as the beginning of the movement and struggle that paved the way for the Cuban Revolution. On that day 62-years ago, Cubans rose up against the U.S. supported dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Although that first battle was lost, the Revolution ultimately prevailed on January 1st, 1959. During the annual July 26th commemorations, the people of Cuba gather to honour the heroines and heroes of Moncada, and to celebrate Cuba’s independence. 

An unforgettable meeting with Fidel

The children were the first to spot the vehicles they’ve come to recognize and shout out, “Fidel is coming, Fidel is coming…” A group of visiting Venezuelans joined the students as they greeted him.

By Alina Perera Robbio

April 6 – The most exciting moment that a group of 33 Venezuelans, who came to Cuba on a solidarity mission, will take away with them, will be the chance encounter with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, with whom they spoke for an hour and a half. According to what they told me afterwards, he made two lasting impressions on the visitors: the first being his large hand which, for hours, slowly and firmly shook hands with many others; and secondly, his lucidity, conscious of the multiple details of the Venezuelan reality, especially at a time when this great nation has become the target of imperialist greed.

Fidel sends message to President Nicolás Maduro

The historic leader of the Cuban Revolution emphasizes the heroic attitude assumed by the Venezuelan people, as well as the exemplary discipline and spirit of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces in the face of U.S. sanctions

Author: Fidel Castro Ruz | internet@granma.cu

March 17, 2015 09:03:04

Honorable President of the BolivarianRepublic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro:

As the press has reported, tomorrow Tuesday March 17, an Alba Summit will take place in Caracas to analyze the outrageous policy of the United States government toward Venezuela and Alba.

The idea of creating this organization came from Chávez himself, wanting to share with his Caribbean brothers and sisters the enormous economic resources with which nature had blessed his native homeland, the benefits of which had however landed in the hands of powerful U.S. corporations, and a few Venezuelan millionaires.