Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro awarded decorations this Friday to the members of the brigade that traveled to eastern Cuba to support infrastructure recovery efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. During the ceremony, Maduro emphasized that solidarity is the “natural and perfect language” between Cuba and Venezuela, a force that drives the unity and emancipation of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.
From Miraflores Palace, the Venezuelan head of state praised the courage and dedication of the brigade members, whom he awarded the Antonio José de Sucre Order of Merit for Builders of the Homeland.
The brigade members deployed their efforts in the hardest-hit areas of the Caribbean island, working tirelessly to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, such as roads and the electrical grid.
According to the president, this concrete action, which included specialists from Corpoelec and construction workers, demonstrates Venezuela’s commitment to contributing its “grain of sand” alongside Cuban linemen and laborers to restore normalcy.
In this context, Maduro emphasized Cuba’s historical trajectory as a “world champion of solidarity.” For more than sixty years, Cuba has extended its helping hand to Africa, Asia, all of Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating that solidarity is the path to humanity’s future. The president recalled how millions of Cubans have been shaped by this spirit of solidarity, from the “army of white coats” that has delivered medical assistance to various corners of the world, to the soldiers who participated in the liberation of southern Africa.
The Venezuelan president placed particular emphasis on the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in 1987. This feat was decisive in defeating apartheid, an oppressive regime of racism, and facilitated the release of Nelson Mandela, thanks to the support of Fidel Castro, Cuba, and its army. This legacy has forged Cuba as a people deeply rooted in the spirit of solidarity. Maduro affirmed that Venezuela is also being forged in this same spirit, reflected in the mission of its brigadistas (medical brigade members).
Maduro highlighted the importance of the Venezuelan presence in Cuba, through Corpoelec technicians and construction workers, who worked to repair poles and power lines and rebuild roads. He insisted on the need to maintain “permanent and active solidarity without ever letting our guard down.” For the president, the people of Cuba and Venezuela represent the strongest foundation for the reunification of all of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Venezuelan president projected a vision for the future of the hemisphere, one where the path is not war, military threats, colonialism, or slavery. “The time of colonialism and slavery, the time of vassalage, the time of groveling at the beck and call of imperial powers—that time is long gone,” Maduro declared. He affirmed that neither Venezuelans nor Cubans wish to be slaves to anyone, underscoring the dignity and sovereignty of both nations.
Nicolas Maduro reaffirmed that the path forward is solidarity, unity, joint emancipation, and the ongoing struggle on all fronts to build a new world and, above all, a free continent. He congratulated the brigade members on their well-deserved decorations, including a special pin awarded in the name of José Martí, recognizing their work as a living testament to these fundamental principles.
During its passage through eastern Cuba in late October, with strong winds and associated heavy rains, Hurricane Melissa caused damage to 116,100 homes, according to authorities in the Republic of Cuba.
IMAGE CREDIT: President Nicolás Maduro awarded the Antonio José de Sucre Order of Merit for Builders of the Homeland to the brigade members who traveled to Cuba. Photo: Presidential Press Office
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
