Just back from Cuba with the Jan. 15-25 Witness for Peace delegation; a wistful smile plays upon my lips as the recorded sound of Cachao plays in my ears. Ah, Cuba, Viva Cuba!

We had 10 intense days of experiencing Cuba, tasting, feeling, talking, listening learning and dancing. Cuba's spirit of humanity shines through from its institutions, street life, night life, welcome of visitors and commitment to its own people.

While investigating Cuba's health care services we visited Los Cocos AIDS Sanitorium, the National Psychiatric Hospital, The Latin American School of Medicine, the National Ministry of Public Health and—the foundation of Cuba's health care system—a family medical doctor's office. We found consistency in emphasis on prevention and education along with treatment and rehabilitation.

Many of us in our 24-person delegation have experience working in health care or social services in the U.S. While most of us were from New England there were also residents of Maryland, Georgia, Florida and Alaska in the group. Everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed.

It is fair to say that each of us was moved by the sincere dedication of the Cuban political and social system to guarantee the health, education and basic needs of 11 million Cubans. We clearly saw by example that a better world is indeed possible though we kept reminding each other that Cuba was not utopia.

More than once we were told of the desire of Cubans for peace and cooperation with other countries—including the USA. There is even a Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples of the World of which there is an office in every province as well as a national center. Through it the Cuban people reach out to people of 170 countries.

Highlights of our trip included a bus ride out of Havana to Trinidad and Cienfuegos, two very different cities. We swam in the Caribbean Sea and were serenaded at all meals by a five-man band. We visited an agricultural cooperative—which grows organic produce–– and a provincial visual arts high school. We saw sugar cane, rice and oranges growing along the highway.

Of course we went shopping. Some of the proceeds of our purchases in Old Havana went to renovation of the UNESCO-declared historic area. The art, books (in English!) and CDs of music were resisted by only the hardiest of non-shoppers.

Some in our group danced nearly every night away with Cuban friends met early in our visit. We all enjoyed the Mojitos, a blend of rum, sugar, mint and water that refreshes like none other. The energy and spirit we found in this “land of eternal spring" intoxicated each of us in our own way.

To better understand the reason for the embargo on Cuba, we visited the U.S. Interest Section and met with Collette Marie Celeste Christian, who declared that she is “the property of the U.S. Government." She is a diplomat and deputy public affairs officer. She told us that when Fidel Castro seized control of Cuba in 1959, U.S. property worth $6 billion was taken. She claimed that no payment was ever made by the Cuban government and there were no negotiations with the U.S. for the property.

Marcelino Fajardo of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Relations spoke of the Cuban-U.S. relationship differently. He recounted historical U.S. interest in Cuba beginning with Thomas Jefferson. He said that the U.S. supported Spanish colonization in the belief that Cuba would one day be a part of the U.S. The revolution headed by Fidel Castro has thwarted U.S. designs on Cuba for 46 years.

Everywhere we went we were told of the pervasive effect of the embargo on Cuban life. From lack of parts to fix a digital camera, to the high cost of canvas and artists' paint, to the lack of obstetric equipment—not to mention interference with the entire economy—the embargo is indeed what the Cubans call it—a Blockade.

As we neared the end of our visit, each of us considered ways in which we could affect future U.S.-Cuba relations by speaking the truth of what we experienced. Surely we will tell our families and friends and many of us will lobby our people in congress. Ideas abounded on taking what we've learned to reach wider audiences. One thing is for certain, we know in our hearts what is so and we cannot help but speak of it.

Page last updated: February 18, 2005