No. 40
June 6, 2026
95th Anniversary of Birth of Revolutionary
Cuban
Leader Army General Raúl Castro
• Long Life to Raúl
Castro!
Raúl Is Raúl!
• Raúl: "A True
Cuban, With All the Force
That
Redundancy Suggests"
• To Say Raúl Is More Than Enough
No to U.S. Escalation of Attacks on Cuba
• Cubans Stand Firm Against Latest U.S. Sanctions and Attacks
• Condemn Latest U.S. Attempt to Equate Cuba with Terrorism
• Cuba Signs
Joint Action Plan 2026-2030
With Eurasian Economic Union
95th Anniversary of Birth of Revolutionary Cuban
Leader Army General Raúl Castro
Long Life to Raúl Castro!
Raúl Is Raúl!
Picket in Toronto stands with Cuba and honours Raúl, May
31, 2026
The Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) sends its heartfelt greetings to Army General Raúl Castro, the Cuban leadership and people on the occasion of Raúl's 95th birthday. The celebrations in his honour across Cuba and internationally brought out the significance of Raúl Castro's revolutionary life and contributions to Cuba and the world. Speaking at a celebration for friends of Cuba hosted by Consul General of Cuba in Toronto Victor Manuel García Sánchez, Philip Fernandez said on behalf of CPC(M-L):
"Army
General Raúl Castro's entire adult life has been lived in
service of the revolution, from his youth as a rebel leader
alongside
Fidel to his term as President of the republic and his
contributions
to this day, always standing in the forefront as a dedicated
leader of Cuba's socialist revolution.
"Comrade Raúl is the embodiment of the indomitable spirit of the Cuban people and the revolution. Together with Fidel, he is part of the historic generation who led the fight for the independence of Cuba in the 1950s. They followed in the footsteps of those who came before them in Cuba's long battle for freedom, first against Spanish colonialism and then U.S. imperialism, and led the people to the great victory of the triumph of the revolution 67 years ago.
"We are inspired by what Raúl said on January 1, 2024, speaking at the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution:
"'On this date of such significance I can affirm that our greatest pride and satisfaction is to have been with Fidel in every moment of joy, indignation or sadness; to have learned from him the decisive importance of unity; not to lose serenity and confidence in triumph no matter how insurmountable the powerful obstacles of the enemies or how great the dangers may seem; to learn and draw strength from every setback until transforming it into victory.'
"Comrade Raúl is one with the Cuban people. His life and fidelity to the people and the revolution give confidence to the people and inspire the youth. Cuba's steadfastness inspires the world and terrifies the U.S.
We stand with Cuba! We stand with the Cuban revolution and we stand with Raúl!"
Viva Cuba Libre!
Venceremos!
Celebration of Raúl's 95th birthday hosted by Consul General of
Cuba in Toronto, June 4, 2026
Raúl "A True Cuban, With All the Force
That
Redundancy Suggests"
On the occasion of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz's 95th birthday, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic of Cuba, posted the following on his X account.
Many congratulations, dear Army General, leader of the Cuban Revolution, a noble title that recognizes the loving son, the loyal brother, the husband, father, grandfather, friend, and demanding, affectionate, and sincere leader, the intrepid fighter, the original leader, the guardian of the essence of the Revolution. A true Cuban, with all the force that redundancy suggests.
To reach 95 years of age with one foot in the stirrup and an endless record of service to the Homeland, to regional and world peace, to multilateralism, and to the dreams of social justice for millions of human beings, is not his good fortune, it is ours.
His long life is the triumph of the love he has given to his people and which his people return to him today. No hatred will ever be able to penetrate that armored shield of deep affection.
To Say Raúl Is More Than Enough
The following article was printed in Granma International on June 3, 2026
Raúl turns 95. It's no ordinary age, almost a century. His name, though common, is not just any name either. Earned through admiration and example, it resonates with the Cuban people in a particular, intimate way, like that of a father or a brother. At 95, Raúl continues, rifle in hand, "with his foot in the stirrup," a phrase of his that stands out when his name is mentioned, due to the profound significance of its message.
Raúl
is the young man who followed Fidel to Havana, not only to
continue his
studies, but also -- though he didn't know it then -- to
dream alongside him of changing the Cuban reality, a reality
rife with
injustices.
Achieving this was no easy task, nor was it accomplished overnight, as revolutions are not. Much blood of valuable individuals stained the island's landscape; many, in the bloom of youth, traded personal dreams for collective goals, without which even the simplest aspirations are impossible for everyone.
Among those who finally brought about a new dawn for Cuba, that "fertilization erasing countless frustrations, unspeakable humiliations, and meticulous nightmares," to -- in Cintio's words -- begin "then other battles," is Raúl, whose life's work cannot be tarnished, no matter how vilely imperial narratives, constructed against him, attempt to do so.
Raúl's name is etched in history, even though his modesty has always been characterized by simplicity, which is nothing other than true greatness. It suffices to recall some of the defining moments when his courage placed him among the brave who don't hesitate to react to what could bring worse consequences.
Raúl is the young man who, in the Palace of Justice, during the Moncada attack, rushed at the soldiers' leader, snatched his weapon, and saved his comrades. He is the one who, on Fidel's orders, went into exile in Mexico, where everything was prepared for the Granma yacht landing, the small yacht that brought 82 expeditionaries, including himself, to begin the guerrilla struggle and overthrow the tyranny.
He is the leader of one of the groups that, having reached Cuba, managed to break through the siege and reunite with Fidel in Cinco Palmas; the fighter who participated in the battles of the takeover of the La Plata and Uvero barracks; the founder of the Second Eastern Front Frank País; the one who, upon the triumph of the Revolution, was appointed Chief of the province of Oriente.
Raúl is the combatant who records in his diary the main events he experienced in the hostile circumstances of the guerrilla war, knowing that he could lose his life at any moment, and yet he never loses that sense of humour that still accompanies him; the one who, in the heat of battle, never lost, as he never has, his faith in the future and his hope.
Raúl
is the faithful friend of José Luis Tasende, to whom he promised
that if he were to fall in combat, he would take care of his
little
daughter forever; the husband of Vilma, an extraordinary woman,
also
alive in the memory of the nation; the warm father; the
Minister, for
almost 50 years, of
the Revolutionary Armed Forces; the Hero of the Republic of
Cuba; the
General of the Army of the Cuban Revolution. Raúl is the one who
assumed the leadership of the nation in 2006, when Fidel fell
ill; and
who, in 2008, was appointed by the National Assembly of People's
Power
as president of the
Councils of State and Ministers, and later, at the grand event
of the
Cuban communists, as First Secretary of the Party.
He is the man committed to the unity and peace of Latin America and the Caribbean; the leader of the process of restoring relations between Cuba and the United States; the internationally renowned leader whose speeches were applauded and followed at international events; the revolutionary concerned and dedicated to the well-being of children, especially those with disabilities, and who has often been seen accompanying them at activities held at the Solidarity with Panama School; he is the voice that left us breathless when we were informed of Fidel's death; the one who continues his ideas, his work, and his dreams.
At 95, Raúl continues, rifle in hand, "with his foot in the stirrup," a phrase of his that stands out when his name is mentioned, due to the profound significance of his message, delivered in 2021 when he stepped down from his duties as head of the Communist Party of Cuba. These days, throughout the country, one often hears, simply, that Raúl is Raúl. For the Cuban people, who know their Army General well, defining him by his own name, which is a powerful symbol, is not at all redundant, but rather more than sufficient.
No to U.S. Escalation of Attacks on Cuba
Cubans Stand Firm Against Latest U.S.
Sanctions and Attacks
Rally in honour of Raúl in Havana, May 22, 2026
The Cuban government and people have condemned and stepped up their opposition and resistance to the most recent attacks and sanctions by the Trump administration in the U.S.
On June 4, sanctions were imposed on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and three other individuals. This latest move by the Trump administration to pressure the island's leadership drew immediate condemnation from the Cuban government. Included in the sanctions are Alejandro Castro Espín, the only son of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and Vilma Espín, who served as an adviser to Cuba's Defense and National Security Commission and was present when Raúl Castro greeted then-U.S. President Barack Obama in Havana during their historic meeting in March of 2016. Castro Espín's son, Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, was also listed.
These latest sanctions are clearly intended for public relations purposes, to slander Cuba's leadership and portray them as corrupt individuals with "personal property and bank accounts in the U.S." The U.S. has no case, only lies, in its attempts to justify threats of military intervention, its blockade of Cuba, its sanctions of Cuban leaders and secondary sanctions of anyone doing business with Cuba.
On May 29, Trump issued his latest executive order against Cuba, expanding U.S. restrictions on officials and institutions linked to Cuba's energy, defence, financial, and security sectors. Speaking about these unjust measures, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said the "unilateral coercive measures" violated the United Nations Charter, adding they aimed to impose "collective punishment against the Cuban people." The Foreign Minister's remarks coincided with demonstrations held across Cuba, where thousands gathered to reject U.S. pressure and affirm Cuba's dignity, independence and sovereignty. Sharing footage from the rallies, Rodríguez described them as mobilizations "in defence of the Homeland" and declared: "Our people do not cower."
President Miguel Díaz-Canel likewise condemned the latest escalation. He reiterated that the blockade stands as the principal obstacle to Cuba's development and prosperity. "The blockade and its reinforcement cause so much harm because of the intimidating and arrogant behaviour of the world's greatest military power," Díaz-Canel wrote following the announcement. He asked again how long the world will tolerate the ongoing U.S. abusive collective punishment against the people of Cuba and affirmed that the Cuban people will continue to defend their dignity and right to choose their own path and future.
(With files from al-Mayadeen)
Condemn Latest U.S. Attempt to Equate
Cuba with Terrorism
The Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) condemns the declaration made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his X account on June 4 in which Rubio declares new measures "pursuant" to Trump's June 4 executive order. Once again, Rubio equates Cuba with terrorism and raises the boogeyman of Marxism in order to cover up that the U.S. is incapable of solving a single problem of a political, economic or social character. In fact, on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of U.S. independence, it is the U.S. itself which is teetering on the verge of a civil war which will be even more bloody than the one of 1861-1865.
The criminalization of Cuban politics by the U.S. and Canada's silence are symptoms of economic and political systems which rebel against the peaceful solution of problems. Equating Cuba with terrorism is a way of treating all Cubans and supporters of Cuba as criminals subject to the demand to prove their innocence by swearing loyalty to the U.S. and declaring themselves to be true believers that the U.S. are liberators who will provide economic prosperity and justice. It is a pipe dream. It will not happen.
Facts are stubborn things. It is a well-known fact that the United States regularly sponsors agents to carry out sabotage in Cuba. The financing of armed groups and agents which operate in Cuba and commit acts of terrorism and other crimes is a fact. It is also a fact that the resistance of the Cuban people and their government to the U.S. use of pretexts, extreme violence and sanctions is tried and true. The Cuban people and their government will not succumb to the desperate attempts of Trump, Rubio and their ilk to further isolate Cuba. Ways and means will be found to step up support for Revolutionary Cuba.
All Out to Oppose the Use of Force in International
Relations!
End the U.S. Sanctions Now!
The text of Rubio's latest attempt to justify U.S. attacks on Cuba follows:
For decades, Cuba has been the world capital for radical left-wing terrorism. The regime in Havana has recruited, trained and backed violent Marxist and third-worldist movements across our hemisphere and beyond. Today, we are targeting the network that enables and funds Cuba's subversive and radical operations.
Pursuant to sanctions authorities created by President Trump's groundbreaking Cuba Executive Order, I am designating the Pursuant to sanctions authorities created by President Trump's groundbreaking Cuba Executive Order, I am designating the following entities:
1. Ministry of the Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Cuba (MINFAR)
2. Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)
3. Amistur Cuba S.A.
4. Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)
5. Minera La Victoria S.A.
Anyone providing services to these sanctioned actors is at risk of sanctions themselves. Foreign banks and other companies that provide services to these entities should freeze those activities.
The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate radical Marxist regimes in our hemisphere seeking to threaten U.S. national security and engage in influence operations to export their poisonous and evil "revolution" to our country and around the world.
Cuba Signs Joint Action Plan 2026-2030
With
Eurasian Economic Union
Granma International, the voice of the Communist Party of Cuba, has announced that Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa signed a joint action plan with the Eurasian Economic Union in Kazakhstan for the period 2026-2030. The agreement is a multi-sectoral cooperation roadmap designed to strengthen economic, trade, and scientific ties between Cuba and the Eurasian bloc comprised of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.
Bakytzhan Sagintayev, President of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission's Board, expressed his gratitude for Cuba's presence as an Observer State at the summit meeting, noting that it comes at a very complex time for the Caribbean nation. He stated that he is well aware of the high regard and esteem that Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez holds for the Eurasian Economic Union and that he has participated in person in two of these meetings.
The Cuban Vice President for his part thanked the president of the Eurasian Economic Council for the welcome and spoke about the complex situation the country is facing due to the tightening of the United States blockade and threats of military aggression. Hence, he emphasized, the importance of a Cuban delegation participating in this important summit. Valdés Mesa pointed out the sectors in which Cuba has the greatest potential and with which it can cooperate with the five countries of the Eurasian Union going forward. Among these, he highlighted opportunities in the Mariel Special Development Zone, biotechnology, tourism, the sugar industry and agriculture.
Valdés Mesa took the opportunity to extend an invitation to business leaders from the nations of the regional bloc to participate in the Havana International Fair in November, where important business deals could be finalized. A delegation of Cuban businesspeople from the trade, logistics, and biotechnology sectors was also present at the Eurasian Economic Union summit.
(To access articles individually click on the black headline.)
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca