Socorro Gomes: Solidarity with those affected by hurricane Irma; we salute the support offered by Cuba

Monday, September 11, 2017

More than 750 Cuban doctors and nurses were sent to Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Dominica and Haiti, this Saturday (Sept., 9) to assist the victims of hurricane Irma, which is already in Florida, in the United States.

We express our solidarity with the hurricane's victims in all the affected countries, understanding that the floods and the destruction caused by the phenomenon, affecting the lives of thousands of people, their homes, schools and other infrastructure, or even the fear that caused thousands to displace, should be promptly answered by the authorities of the respective countries, when possible, or should have prompt international support.

In this regard, we welcome the Republic of Cuba's rapid response, already sending hundreds of professionals, as it is of its practice, to offer humanitarian relief to those affected by the hurricane. The solidarity and fraternity of the revolutionary island must be considered by the international community as exemplary.

For decades now, in the face of the effects of humanitarian crises and epidemics such as those in Africa - with the Ebola in 2014 and 2015, when 600 doctors and nurses were sent to Sierra Leone - until the reception of young students from all over the world for courses in Medicine and related fields, Cuba is always ready to support other nations in areas as essential as health and education.

This way we build solidarity and friendship among the peoples and peace.

Socorro Gomes
President of the World Peace Council