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Original article: Organizaciones de Pudahuel recaudan $2 millones para apoyar soluciones energéticas en Cuba

Various social and political organizations from Pudahuel held a solidarity event today to support the Cuban people. The funds raised will be managed in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba to contribute to energy solutions aimed at communities affected by the ongoing crisis on the island.

To express their support for the Cuban people, a coalition of social organizations and political forces from Pudahuel, including the Communist Party, the Broad Front, the Equality Party, and others, organized a solidarity campaign that included meetings with representatives from the Embassy of Cuba and supportive activities led from within the community. 

The event, held at the Guacolda Sports Club, successfully raised $2 million, which will be channeled through the Embassy of Cuba to support initiatives aimed at addressing the energy challenges facing the island.

From the Communist Party, it was emphasized that this initiative was born from a desire to promote solidarity and justice, as well as a response to the blockade imposed on the Cuban people. They also highlighted the commitment of the community, which, despite being a popular territory, successfully organized collectively to cooperate and serve the cause. 

Furthermore, they positively assessed the funds raised at the event, stating it exceeded their expectations: “This marks a milestone of support for a solidarity day in the community and signals a declaration from the left as well as a gathering of people who, despite differing views, see Cuba as an example for peoples worldwide. The mass participation allows us to continue on this path of unity,” stated the party. 

Support from Pudahuel for Energy Solutions on the Island 

In an interview with El Ciudadano, Javiera Soto, a city councilor, explained that the decision to allocate the raised funds to support energy solutions in Cuba arose in response to the blockade imposed by the United States, which financially suffocates the island and hinders oil imports, leaving many Cuban families facing frequent power outages.

“In light of this reality and the urgent needs faced by the Cuban people, it was collectively decided that the raised funds would be directed to support energy solutions,” she declared. 

Additionally, the councilor noted that this solidary initiative from Pudahuel holds significant meaning, as it reflects that solidarity with the Cuban people transcends borders. In that regard, she highlighted that the event represents a commitment to cooperation, brotherhood among peoples, and mutual support in the face of difficulties. 

“Moreover, it reflects the willingness of neighbors and organizations in Pudahuel to actively contribute to a humanitarian cause and reaffirms that international solidarity remains a fundamental tool,” she added. 

“No People Should Be Punished” 

From the Popular Commune, they asserted the essential nature of joining the campaign to support the Cuban people from an anti-imperialist political conviction, expressing their rejection of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, which they deem affects the population directly. They also emphasized that no nation should be sanctioned for exercising its right to self-determination.

In this context, they valued the initiative driven from the commune, emphasizing that it brought the Cuban reality closer to the community in a participative and educational space, consistent with territorial work. They also emphasized Cuba’s historical contributions in areas such as health, education, and international cooperation, highlighting its track record of solidarity and resilience.

Meanwhile, the organization Popular Nucleus warned that Cuba is facing one of the most challenging situations in recent decades, marked by shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, in addition to the energy crisis. They stated that the U.S. blockade has caused millions in losses and exacerbates the situation alongside internal economic difficulties in Cuba.

Finally, they highlighted that Latin America shares a common history of struggles for sovereignty, making solidarity among peoples crucial to confront blockades and inequalities, while remembering that Cuba’s support to the region, such as sending healthcare professionals, reflects a logic of cooperation among brotherly peoples.

“Solidarity is the Tenderness of Peoples”

On another note, representatives from the Equality Party expressed their gratitude for the historic solidarity between the Cuban and Chilean peoples, recalling that expert hands from the island aided the Popular Unity process and welcomed numerous compatriots to their country following the military coup in Chile.

They also valued the gestures of support towards those who resisted and faced the dictatorship, as well as the training that Cuba provided to hundreds of Chileans in its educational institutions, particularly in healthcare.

Moreover, they recognized the local solidarity initiatives with Cuba, as these strengthen the united work of social and political organizations in the community. They highlighted that these spaces allow for direct community information regarding the Cuban reality, overcoming the mediation of traditional media and showcasing the country’s situation due to the tightening U.S. blockade.

“Solidarity is the tenderness of peoples, and today we must return the favor,” they concluded. 

Pudahuel Commits to Strengthening Cooperation Networks

Finally, representatives from the Broad Front noted that such initiatives transcend material aid, constituting an expression of solidarity between peoples and strengthening historical ties in Latin America. In that line, they emphasized that politics is also constructed through community organization and mutual support, appreciating that the activity originates from local organizations and reflects an active, committed community ready for collective participation.

“Today, we view with concern an international scenario marked by increasing political and economic tensions. In response, we believe that isolation cannot be the answer; instead, there should be greater cooperation among peoples and respect for each nation’s right to sovereignly decide its own destiny,” they added. 

Ultimately, they emphasized the importance of continuing to build collaboration and solidarity networks among organizations, reaffirming Pudahuel’s commitment to a more united, democratic, and just Latin America. 

The participating organizations agreed that the event not only facilitated gathering resources to support the Cuban people but also strengthened the social and political articulation within the commune around principles of international solidarity and cooperation among peoples.

La entrada Pudahuel Organizations Raise $2 Million to Support Energy Solutions in Cuba se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.