SAINT LUCIA, 7th september 2011. THE CUBA HOUR returned to the airways and cyberspace after a break Saturday 27th August. Joining Host Rossini François was, once again, Maurice Moffat, the Association’s Public Relations Officer, with special guest Dr. Isolina Lopez, head of the Mission Milagro Eye Care Unit located at the Victoria Hospital in the Capital, Castries. Lionel Ellis as usual, at the controls. The host took up the issue of homophobia – specifically the difference in approach between two institutions of governance, the governments of Saint Lucia and of Cuba. Homophobia is an issue of social justice – the central tenet of the philosophy of the socialist system practiced in Cuba today. This is the reason why the approach of Cuban authorities is generally comprehensive, inclusive of widespread, open public consultation. By the other hand, Dr. Isolina Lopez emphasized her love for her profession, spoke of her experiences as Head of Cuban Medical brigades in Tanzania and Ghana, and the short (4 months so far) she has spent here in Saint Lucia. She reflected on her childhood, expressing her happiness at being born after the Revolution, based on stories her father told her of life before that momentous event in Cuba’s history. She spoke of her first few months here, full of praise for the Saint Lucian nurses who served (additionally) as translators (from French Creole to English), thus aiding in the efficient dispatch of the services on offer. The host agreed to publicize the community screening programme of the Eye Unit, since it was felt that the relevant department wax lax in its approach to the dissemination of such information. The last part of the program was dedicated to THE CUBAN 5. Rossini François summarized the story, while Maurice Moffat revealed that there are plans to hold a panel discussion on the anniversary of their arrest – the 12th of September, 1998. Rossini François also announced that a series of programs dealing with the issue will begin from the 10th of September on Caribbean Harmony 107.9/caribbeanharmony.com – that this subject will continue to be a focal point of THE CUBA HOUR. He also stated that several articles will be published in the local media and on the Internet.
(Cubaminrex-Embacuba Santa Lucía)
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