‘Onward!’: Report from the 23rd José Martí Brigade – Revolutionary Communist Group
Rock Around the Blockade and the Revolutionary Communist Group have been in Cuba taking part in the 23rd José Martí Brigade, marking the Centenary of the great commander-in-chief, Fidel Castro! We have delivered medical aid, children’s aid, and most importantly strengthened our political understanding and solidarity with socialist Cuba!
Upon arrival, brigadistas were met with the urgent condition of Cuba’s national grid – which strains under the pressure of US fuel sanctions – travelling from airport to accommodation on roads of pitch darkness while the organisers, ICAP, scrambled to make alternative arrangements following a power outage at the original accommodation.
Brigadistas attended ICAP sessions in Havana for the first few days of the delegation which reported on the political and economic situation in Cuba, the European solidarity movement and cultural colonisation, social media and neo-fascism where our comrades began making interventions, asking how the Anti-Fascist International, the British chapter of which the RCG is a co-founder, can build solidarity with socialist Cuba, also encouraging a regional day of solidarity in mid-October against the banks and demanding they unblock Cuba. Links were also built with the Italian ‘Let Cuba Breathe’ campaign and Cuban diplomats, while comrades interviewed fellow brigadistas from other European organisations, such as Cubanismo, the KKE and others.
Brigadistas then took part in agricultural work at a state farm. Farm workers expressed their steadfast revolutionary commitment to Fidel, Diaz-Canel, and the gains of their revolution as Rock Around the Blockade comrades led the brigade in chants alongside them!
Brigadistas heard from the Cuban Workers’ Central Union (CTC) on the outcomes of their Congress, tasks and challenges, their oversight at provincial and government levels and the lack of non-state actors in the CTC. This allowed comrades to hear first hand how differently unions function in in socialist Cuba compared to Britain. Comrades asked how the CTC plans to integrate non-state workers into the union, especially in the context of recent social and economic transformations.
In Santa Clara, we attended an inspiring talk by the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution. Heroes all, who recounted their time fighting against Batista’s US-backed forces in the region and around the world, their armed defence of the literacy campaigns, and Fidel’s leadership. After speaking with them afterwards and gifting a copy of FRFI, more than one comrade had a tear in their eye.
The brigade was then welcomed by socio-cultural project and LGBTQ centre, El Mejunje, in the heart of Santa Clara. Amongst a lively mix of Cuban jazz and salsa we heard from founder of the space, Ramon Silverio – who also features in the 2025 documentary ¡Quba! – who explained how El Mejunje has for over 30 years been a hub for trans people, those with AIDS and young people, and how their prices have remained fixed at an affordable 6 cup per night since it opened. Comrades interviewed him, as well as a trans performer from the night who explained how El Mujenje is another of the progressive results of the Cuban revolution. The following day comrades honoured Che Guevara’s heroic contributions in Santa Clara at the Sculptural Complex and Armored Train Momument.
The brigade will soon head to the CIJAM camp which will be our base for four days of the Centenary of the great Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro! Onward to Artemisa!
¡Hasta la victoria siempre!