Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan meets ALBA ambassadors at UNISON reception

(09/10/09) UNISON Cymru Wales is holding a reception to celebrate 50 years of social progress in Cuba, 10 years of social and democratic reforms in Venezuela, and the first election of an indigenous Indian as President in Bolivia. The Ambassadors of all three countries will meet in Cardiff Bay on 14th October with First Minister Rhodri Morgan and UNISON.

For most people, these progressions would symbolise revolution, war and dictatorships but the reality is a fairer society.

Cuba has stood alone for decades in its fight for its sovereignty and self determination. It has fought against economic blockades and cold war aggression to provide a health and education system which has become the envy of the world.

Cuba can now celebrate its 50th anniversary of social progress and it has also played a huge part in helping the most underdeveloped countries in the world. It has sent medical teams to the poorest corners of the world suffering from natural disasters such as the earthquakes in Pakistan to hurricanes in Nicaragua

Venezuelan’s have been celebrating 10 years of social progress and democratic reforms in Venezuela. In the eighties Venezuelan’s experienced 50% living in poverty and 1 in 5 children suffer from malnutrition and an education and health system not accessible to the majority. 10 years on and extreme poverty has more than halved from 20.3% to 9.1% of the population. Millions are able to see a doctor for the first time now providing subsides food to the poorest allowing them to eat three meals a day. Eradicated illiteracy to UNESCO standards, 99% can now read and write. A recent referendum on whether politicians could stand for election for more than two terms provoked a 70% turn out and delivered a 56% winning margin. These figures are truly amazing and prove the people have the power to change things.

Recently the continent has seen one of the truly remarkable events we hear all too often, the ecstasy of the Obama election which was of course a significant moment in history. However, we hear very little of the election of Evo Morales in Bolivia. Morales’s election is also truly remarkable the first non Washington backed and indigenous leader of a Latin American country. The transition in Bolivia is remarkable, a country where once it was illegal to use containers to collect rain water has now nationalised that service. Previously the cost of paying for it put many of the poorest out of reach of clean drinking water. The nationalisation of their natural resources have seen money directed into projects that house, clothe and feed the poorest in their society.

UNISON Cymru Wales aims to step up our solidarity with these countries and to build upon the experience of the solidarity campaign groups. We can learn from each other and by breaking down barriers and respecting each others cultural differences we will help each face the problems that this century will pose to our respective countries