He spoke on behalf of the Cuban Workers’ Federation (CTC), describing its relationship with the Uruguayan labor federation, PIT-CNT, as historic. PIT-CNT organized the event and similar gatherings in various locations throughout the South American country.

Beltran asserted that proletarian unity is more important than ever, “when more than 400 million workers have lost their jobs worldwide.”

Speaking before union leaders, President Yamandu Orsi, Vice President Carolina Cosse, ministers, members of parliament, and other authorities and representatives of social organizations, the Cuban delegate emphasized the hardships caused by the U.S. blockade against his homeland.

V “It is a rigid and criminal economic, commercial, financial, and now fuel blockade,” he said. “Cuba is besieged for the sole reason of its people’s will not to be subdued and to defend their self-determination and independence,” he asserted.

“It is in this context,” he said, “that the Cuban people marched today throughout the island as an expression of resistance, unity, and also of gratitude to those from various parts of the world who let them know that Cuba is not alone.”

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