As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the
planet it is time for the New Zealand Government to actively support the UN’scall to the U.S. to urgently lift the blockage of Cuba that is obstructing the
country’s health care system’s ability to fight the COVID-19 crisis.
A
chorus of voices across the UN have been emphatic that bringing the virus under
control will only be achieved through multilateralism, cooperation, and
solidarity. Cuba itself is demonstrating these values by sending medical teams
to assist other countries’ response to the pandemic.
“Hiding behind the anonymity of the
annual unanimous UN votes condemning the Blockade is no longer a viable or
honest option for the New Zealand Government,” stated NZCFS spokesperson Warren
Brewer
“Our Government is acutely aware of
both Cuba’s commitment to training health professionals in the Pacific and its
role in combating the pandemic internationally. Now is the time to stand beside
them.”
“In a particularly bizarre move the U.S.
has recently allocated $2 million toward sabotaging the work of Cuban medical
teams in Central and South America.” Mr Brewer added.
Accordingly,
the Cuba Friendship Society of NZ calls on the Government to make an urgent
representation to the U.S. to end its blockade immediately and to allow vital
supplies of food, fuel, and medical equipment to reach the Cuban people.
“To
not do so is to be complicit in the use of COVID-19 as a weapon of biological
warfare.”
 |
Healthcare without Borders |
Media Release
N.Z. Cuba Friendship Society
May 19th, 2020
