Beto Almeida: the more Latin America Integrates, the more possibilites we have

In exclusive statements to the Portal of the Cuban Radio, Almeida spoke about the Latin American unity:

“The opening of the first phase of the container terminal in the port of Mariel, 45 kilometers to the west of Havana, is a concrete step despite all the lies the oligopoly media wants to spread. Concerning this matter, we can talk about how several states have come together to conceive that achievement. It is an infrastructure that will benefit a number of countries and will even modify the traditional trade routes which will affect their future and its relationship with other productive possibilities.”

Works inMariel are financed by Brasilia and executed by the Odebrecht construction company, with a total of 682 million dollars from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) , which are part of a planned investment of USD$ 957 million .

The terminal will have capacity to handle goods ships of the “post- panamax” generation and is part of the Mariel Special Development Zone (MSDZ), the first of its kind in Cuba. Brazil is the second Latin American trading partner of Cuba, after Venezuela , with an exchange of 624.79 million dollars in 2013 and is among the top five worldwide, according to official sources.

On these examples, Almeida reflects, since integration is not a utopia.

“Today’s integration has taken concrete steps. What about the six thousands doctors in Brazil and the thousands in Venezuela and Africa?

“In this effort, we find the Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Havana. After decades of sabotage against Cuba, that meeting took place with the participation of all countries in the area. In these times the cooperation is essential, and that’s a blow to the blockade, which must be definitively lifted.”

How do you consider the present situation in Latin America?

“Well this historical context is very important. Europe is destroying its social rights, while Latin America is looking for a greater cooperation. From that perspective, they are making changes and there are many countries with popular support that are leading important changes concerning monetary, social and cultural aspects, among others.

“In Europe there is a setback because capitalism does not solve its crisis. Meanwhile, here we are teaching people with democracy, solidarity and participation. I insist that there is a global crisis of capitalism without exit while Latin America offers examples of how unit can fight poverty.”

“Recently, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia eradicated illiteracy with Cuba´s support. That’s hope and solidarity. “

Translated by: Daysi Olano

Revised by ESTI