TeleSur: President Lula Warns that the US Aims to Colonize the Americas At the CELAC-Africa Forum on March 21, Lula issued one of his sharpest critiques of US foreign policy in recent years. He described current military and diplomatic moves as part of a deliberate plan to reimpose colonial dominance across the Western Hemisphere. “They want to colonize us again,” Lula declared, linking recent interventions to a broader erosion of self-determination. He accused Washington of fabricating lies to justify regional destruction and maintain control over sovereign nations.
Granma: “If we turn our backs on Cuba, we would be turning our backs on humanity” About half a million dollars were raised in the United States, earmarked for solar panels and related equipment, to be donated to Cuban hospitals.
Cuba Debate: Cuban President Díaz-Canel attends welcome ceremony of the Our América convoy
Peoples Dispatch: European humanitarian aid convoy arrives in Cuba The convoy of 100 people from 13 countries carried five tons of medicines and medical supplies worth $500,000.
TeleSur: Inspiring Nuestra América Convoy: More than 600 Activists from 38 Countries Deliver Aid to Cuba in Solidarity The convoy unites more than 600 peace activists from 38 nations, representing over 140 social, political, and cultural organizations across nearly every continent. Participants include parliamentarians, judges, ambassadors, intellectuals, trade unionists, and community leaders committed to justice and sovereignty. The Pan American Medical Association with Global Health Partners, Los Angeles Hands off Cuba, Not Just Tourist, and Operation Rainbow have now sent more than $3 million worth of medical supplies to Cuba
Stan Smith: The Global Convoy to Cuba: Response to Washington’s Strangling of Cuba US economic warfare on the island has devastated Cubans’ standard of living after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. It has seriously undermined many aspects of the inspiring example of their socialist model. Compared to 1979, the tightening US blockade has brought much more inequality, fewer social services, more poverty. The US delivers Cubans deteriorating general health by denying medicines and medical materials. Even hunger, long ago eliminated, the US has reintroduced. The oil blockade aims to disable the electrical system, all transport, and water pumping equipment, recreating the desperation the US and Israel inflicted on Gaza. David Adler, Progressive International organizer of the Global Convoy, explained: “When governments enforce collective punishment, ordinary people have a responsibility to act…break the siege, bring food and medicine, and show that solidarity can cross any border, land, or sea.” The Cuban Revolution represents an example for our human future: it nationalized the country’s wealth and resources and placed them under the rule of the direct representatives of workers and peasants and has stood up to imperialism for over 65 years.
Mintpress News video: The Gazafication of Cuba: Trump’s Total Blockade The intensifying US economic war against Cuba, the “gazafication” — a systematic blockade designed to crush the Cuban revolution and overthrow the government — has led to devastating consequences for ordinary Cubans. They discuss: The full scope of US sanctions and their impact on Cuba, massive blackouts, food shortages, and health supply crises; how Cubans are surviving and resisting; the global solidarity movement breaking sanctions.
TeleSur: President Maduro’s Legal Team Seeks Case Dismissal in U.S. Court The legal team representing President Maduro and his wife, the First Combatant Cilia Flores, stated in a court document a legal request to dismiss their case, since US sanctions violate their constitutional rights by blocking access to funds necessary for their legal defense. OFAC obstructed the use of Venezuelan State funds for their legal representatives, which constitutes a direct unconstitutional interference with their ability to mount an effective legal defense. The defense lawyers also raise serious questions regarding the consistency and management of the licensing process by the U.S. Government. According to the lawyers, it initially issued permits for the payment of legal fees, only to revoke them later.
Orinoco Tribune: Venezuela Increases ‘Economic War’ Bonus by 25% The “Economic War” bonus was increased from $120 to $150 for active public workers. The public administration consists of approximately 3 million workers. The Central Bank of Venezuela reported that accumulated inflation for 2025 reached 475.28%. This inflationary trend exponentially surpasses the reported 25% adjustment in the “war bonus.”
Al Mayadeen: US eases PDVSA sanctions to boost Venezuela oil output The US has authorized allowing companies to conduct business with Venezuela’s state-run oil firm, PDVSA, marking a significant step in what the US alleges are efforts to revive the country’s oil sector and increase crude output. However, the move is taking place amid a rise in global oil prices caused by the closure of the Hormuz Strait amid the war on Iran. The move is expected to facilitate investment and potentially expand Venezuela’s production capacity over the longer term, while maintaining strict financial and legal controls. Washington has been gradually easing sanctions on Venezuela since January, when US forces kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro. The US government has taken control of the country’s oil sale proceeds through a designated fund, signaling a restructuring of how Venezuela’s energy revenues are managed under sanctions relief. The authorization excludes dealings with entities under unilateral US sanctions, including firms from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and the DPRK, as well as transactions deemed not “commercially reasonable.”
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Upcoming Events:
March 26 (Portland, OR): Free Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores. 6 pm SW Burnside & SW 10th Ave. Sponsored by Portland for Palestine
March 26 (Chicago) Free Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores
March 26 (New York City) Free Maduro and Cilia Flores Rally and Trial
March 29: Pan-African Womens Day Political Education Seminar Burkina Faso – Inem Richardson Republic of Colombia – Eloisa Montano Guerro Democratic Republic of Congo – Julienne Lumumba Republic of Cuba – Gabriela Castillo Republic of Haiti – Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper Islamic Republic of Iran – Nina Farnia Republic of Kenya – Nita Okoko Republic of Mali – Simpara Assitan Keita Republic of Niger – Djamila Amadou State of Palestine – Nouhad Mousas Turtle Island (USA) – Sarah Adams Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – Fravia Marquez
Delegations to Cuba, Nicaragua:
Cuba – Video: Yes You can Travel to Cuba
Travel to Cuba with Belly of the Beast April 4-11 bellyofthebeastcuba.com
Labor & Youth Activists Delegation, April 23- May 3
Building Relations with Cuban Labor May Day Delegation
NNOC 19th International May Day Brigade
May Day in Santiago de Cuba 2026 (download info doc)
Witness for Peace 2026 delegations to Cuba
Friendly Planet delegations to Cuba
Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade
Nicaragua
Casa Ben Linder Email casabenjaminlinder@gmail.com to apply:
21 May – 2 June 2026 Mayo Ya! Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Culture. Join us in Bluefields for the Mayo Ya celebrations featuring street dances, parades and traditional music to welcome the rainy season. Application deadline March 1st.
July 2026: Solidarity in Action: Nicaragua’s Popular Revolution
October 2026: Salud & Solidaridad: Hands-On Healthcare in Nicaragua
Now offering Spanish classes! Fun and practical language classes at Casa Ben Linder – our
model teaches 1/2 day class & 1/2 day practice in a community setting.
Chicago ALBA Solidarity 