Father Michael Lapsley calls for global support for Cuba amid US embargo

Father Michael Lapsley, a priest from Cape Town, returned from a trip to Cuba and is urging global support for the Cuban people amid the ongoing US embargo. Lapsley attended a 100 year commemoration of Fidel Castro's birth, marking his 50 year rule. As honorary life president of the Friends of Cuba Society, he contributed to the organization prior to South Africa's first democratic election in 1994.

During his visit, Lapsley brought medical aid for Cuban citizens. Representatives from various countries, including South Africa's National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union, South African Communist Party, and former minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, participated in the colloquium. Lapsley vehemently denounced the US blockade of Cuba, which has been in place since 1962.

Recently, the US declared a national emergency and restricted fuel supplies, causing widespread blackouts across the island. Lapsley emphasized the dire situation in Cuba, noting the lack of electricity, fuel, and access to basic necessities, which has led to limited food supplies and forced many Cubans to drastically reduce their daily meals.

He praised the resilience of the Cuban people, who have a history of supporting other nations, and called for worldwide solidarity to aid Cuba in overcoming the US-imposed hardships.