* From Nicaragua News Bulletin (US.)

Emily demonstrated that, by 2004, the Cuban economy had recovered to the same levels as before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The recovery prior to 2004 had been driven by tourism and nickel and this had been buoyed by a surge in export services to countries such as Venezuela. Therefore, Emily concluded that, “it’s important to note that the current situation in Cuba is not due to economic mismanagement, but as a result of global financial crises” combined with the effects of three devastating hurricanes and a collapse in the price of nickel.

Emily noted that there is increasing acknowledgement of the significance of changes in Cuba and observed that some on the left – drawing parallels with the USSR’s pursuit of perestroika and glasnost – are concerned about the implications of these changes.  Emily argued that it’s wrong to characterise changes as an abandoning of socialism because socialist planning will remain the main means of economic management, although it will take the market into account. Instead, Cubans talk about “perfecting socialism”.            

Emily also challenged the Western assumption that economic changes in Cuba are part of “Raul’s project” by citing a speech made by Fidel in 2005 which signified a major reassessment of how the economy was run.

Furthermore, it is wrong to view changes in Cuba as a result of top-down government. As Emily showed, all policy decisions were reached through mass public consultation. Over 9 million Cubans participated in 163 000 public meetings. 3 million contributions were made and, from this, 800 000 individual ‘opinions’ were discerned which formed the basis of 311 new guidelines.

Dr Steve Ludlam of Sheffield University acknowledged that, although Cuban GDP had recovered to pre-Special Period levels by 2004/5, this had not been matched with real investment and much of the economy was still disrupted and unproductive. The economy was struggling to raise incomes and agricultural production whilst the socialist principle of distribution – that remuneration is based on input – was being challenged by unearned income through remittances.

Steve reiterated what Emily had said and argued that changes in Cuba were aimed at making the economy more efficient and “preserving the conquests of the Cuban revolution”. Steve re-emphasised the long process of public engagement and noted that all changes and developments will be carried out in a planned and orderly fashion with close consultation with workers and trade unions. “Workers are entitled to be consulted on any legislation which affects them and trade unions effectively have a veto on all workers’ legislation”. Workers’ assemblies must approve all production plans, implementation laws and collective bargaining with a turnout of at least 70%.

According to Steve, the process of restructuring “shows the power and influence of workers and trade unions in Cuba”. Cuba is trying to break away from the attitude of the 1990s and embrace self-employment. Trade unions are at the centre of these developments and are communicating directly with self-employed people to find out how they can represent them and offer support. As a result, self-employed people have the same rights to pensions, accident benefits and other social security as other Cuban workers. All this testifies to the inclusive and democratic nature of politics in Cuba which embraces trade unionism and workers as a core pillar of government.

Carlos Alfaro from the Cuban Embassy echoed the conclusions of the two British academics and emphasised Cuba’s commitment to socialism. Carlos said that there has been three crucial moments for the Cuban economy since 1959: First after the triumph of the revolution, second after the collapse of the Soviet Union and third the current global financial crisis. “Three times we have faced a major economic dilemma and three times we have rejected a capitalist model – why would we adopt capitalism now?”

25 seminars and workshops discussed the progressive movements sweeping the continent and celebrated their political and social achievements. The conference also examined the ongoing interference of the United States in the region – both to undermine progressive governments and to fortify reactionary regimes.

Frances O’Grady, Deputy General Secretary of the TUC, welcomed delegates to Congress House and drew parallels between the historic strikes in Britain on November 30^th and Latin America’s long struggle for independence and sovereignty. She described the United States’ attitude towards Cuba as one of “arrogance, intransigence and insecurity” and argued that – despite this adversity – Cuba remains a beacon of hope which has inspired Latin America and shown us that another world is possible.

Hugh Lanning, Deputy General Secretary of the PCS, stressed that the common enemy – both in Latin America and Britain – is the 1% that control international finance. “Borders are mere devices to control labour rights and migration. There are no borders for the exploitation of profit and capital”.

Hugh thanked Latin American trade unions for their solidarity greetings on November 30^th and stressed that the struggle for justice is the same throughout the world. Hugh emphasised that one of the best ways to support progressive movements in Latin America is by winning battles for social justice at home.

Jeremy Corbyn MP declared that Latin America had been used as a laboratory by Chicago School economists for the worst neo-liberal monetarist experiments and had brutally repressed all progressive regimes – but workers and indigenous peoples used that experience to build broader and stronger social movements. Jeremy urged the labour movement in Britain to learn from the values and practical skills used in Latin America to reject the doctrine of markets, privatisation and austerity.

The conference also welcomed Cuban Olympic legend Alberto Juantorena AKA ‘White Lightening’ who broke two world records on his way to winning the 400m and 800m at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. The imposing Juantorena held one of his gold medals aloft and declared, “This belongs to the Cuban people, not to me. It belongs to everyone: the man who prepares the track, to my doctors, my coach my team and my Commander Fidel – but also to every single Cuban who strives on behalf of our country”. 

Now a member of the International Association of Athletics Federations and Vice-President of the Cuban Sport Institute, Juantorena spoke of the egalitarian and inclusive ideals underpinning sport in Cuba, but also illustrated the debilitating effects of the cruel and inhumane US blockade. Not only has Juantorena been denied entry to America on a number of occasions, but shortages mean basic equipment such as pole vaults – which are manufactured in the US – have to be obtained at a premium through third countries. “It affects every aspect of our life – from food to medicines, to sportswear and sports equipment – everything to make us suffer in every way”.    

Egle Sanchez, Venezuelan trade union leader, brought the roof off Congress House with a rip-roaring speech as she brought solidarity greetings to those public sector workers on strike in Britain, but the biggest standing ovation of the day was reserved for three brave mothers who have had to live with an incredible injustice for thirteen years. Irma Sehwerert Mileham, Magali Llort Ruiz and Mirta Rodriguez Perez are three of the mothers of the Miami Five and, speaking with great dignity and humility, they could not have been more eloquent. The three courageous women thanked the British trade union and labour movement for all the solidarity and support which they have given their families and their sons. They also spoke of the hopes and disappointments suffered in the long fight for justice and urged everyone across the world to intensify the struggle. 

Alongside speakers at the main plenary sessions were a wealth of experts, academics and activists at 25 fringe meetings and seminars. Workshops looked at a variety of themes including the Media (Mis) Representation of Latin America, Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change, Domination of the Caribbean from Slavery to Neo-Colonialism, Guantanamo Bay and the US Militarisation of Latin America, Music Across Africa and Latin America, Education and Liberation in Latin America, Women and the Struggle for Equality, US Subversion in Latin America and Developments and Progress-Contours in the New Latin America. There were also individual workshops on Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador, as well as five film screenings and stalls from associated solidarity campaigns providing up-to-date information.

Coming just days after the biggest public sector strikes for years in Britain, the Latin America Conference provided a timely reminder of what is possible if governments put people before profit. Latin America remains a bastion of hope and a practical example for all those supporting progressive change throughout the world. And the annual Latin America Conference provides an inspirational and informed forum to examine these developments and celebrate ongoing social and political achievements.

After the conference had finished, celebrations continued into the night at Bolivar Hall where the Fiesta Latina enabled delegates to enjoy the continent’s vibrant and varied culture with live music and dancing. Rum cocktails and Latin American food were served, and performances from Cuban, Venezuelan and Colombian artists were weaved together with the latest Latin dance tracks.

It is the world’s only Fairtrade nut company and its biggest shareholder is a co-operative of the very nut farming and gatherering groups which supply the nuts it sells. These groups represent more than 22,000 nut producers.

This co-operative – the International Nut Producers’ Co-operative (INPC) – includes peanut and cashew nut farmers from NICARAGUA , peanut farmers from EL SALVADOR and Brazil nut gatherers from BOLIVIA , BRAZIL and PERU as well as farming groups in Malawi, Mozambique and India.

The INPC meets regularly to discuss issues and support its members – no mean feat when it includes farmers speaking four different languages and spanning three continents. Its members supply around eighty per cent of the UK’s Fairtrade nuts to major supermarkets – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – and for their ‘own label’ nut products and is the business behind Harry’s Nuts!, the nutty snacks and peanut butter from comedian Harry Hill.

Fairtrade to its very kernel, Liberation Foods was established to benefit, support and work alongside smallholder farmers and nut gatherers. The whole company has that as its vision – even Harry Hill makes no money from the Harry’s Nuts! brand. He backs the brand to back the farmers. Liberation’s other shareholders are fair trading organisations and ethical investors.

The company provides a vital link between the farmers and gatherers, UK consumers and products in shopping trolleys. As Brazil nut gatherer Thomas Kalappura said on a visit to Tesco, “These nuts will recognise me!” The producers are guaranteed a fair deal for what they grow and gather, plus a Fairtrade premium to invest in their communities.

In the Amazon the existence of Liberation has prompted the formation of the Tri–Nation consortium of six Brazil nut co-operatives operating in the same bio region across three national boundaries – Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. These organisations previously competed with one another but are now collaborating on international sales, sharing processing capacity and on a project to capture and sell carbon credits in recognition of their role in preserving the Rainforest (because of the guaranteed fair price which comes with Fairtrade, the gatherers are not tempted to make extra money by cutting down the precious timber – hugely important for the environment).

Casildo Quispe, of Cooperativa Integral Agroextractivista Campesinos del Pando (COINACAPA) Brazil nut gatherers in Bolivia says the Fairtrade premium has been of great benefit to the 270 gatherers in his organisation as some of the money is used to reimburse medical costs. “One of our gatherers, Luciano, who is 57, had cataracts on his eyes. He could hardly see and thanks to the Fairtrade premium he was able to have an operation and this has changed his life. The father of another member was working and a tree fell and hit him hard on his head. Because of Fairtrade they could take him to the best hospital – they knew Coinacapa had the resources to pay the bill and his family knew he would be well looked after. This gives such a feeling of security that there is help if anything goes wrong.”

So Fairtrade has brought the first good quality health care to the gatherers – which has brought with it a real sense of dignity that they are able to have the same kind of care as rich people. The working life of the gatherers has also been improved. Casildo adds: ”Each of the gatherers has been given a machete. They use these to open up paths into the jungle as they go gathering Brazil nuts which have fallen from the high trees on to the ground. This make life much easier as they need to access places in the Amazon Rainforest to find the pods which hold the nuts. They also use the machetes to break open the pods.

“Before this company was formed we sold to local middlemen for lower prices. If someone needed to go to the doctor they would have to borrow money from the owner of the land and then be in their debt – they would have to promise to commit all of their Brazil nuts to the landowner. This shows the difference Fairtrade has made.”

Premium money has also been used for the construction of ‘payoles’ – places to keep nuts safe from water, animals, petrol and chemical contamination, to ensure the quality of the nuts is maintained. Here they can be safely stored, cleaned and selected for export.

Casildo explains: “Before Fairtrade, we didn’t know much about exporting or about how commodities like rice, oil, sugar were bought at very low prices but sold are very high prices. People used to work only for the traders and there was a lot of exploitation. After each harvest producers would end up in debt and each year they were working to pay of the previous year’s debt. With the premium of the sales in supermarkets in the UK, we will be able to improve our facilities, improve the quality of our nuts and our infrastructure. Liberation is here to improve our lives.

Another gatherer Benedicto Gonzalez adds: “Since we started the co-operative it’s as if we’ve gained our freedom. It feels like we’re not slaves any more. We have more income, more work and more dignity.”

Many people still think of Fairtrade as being about bananas, coffee, tea and chocolate. Liberation wants everyone to go NUTS for Fairtrade as well. Please check the Harry’s Nuts! Facebook page www.facebook.com/harrysnuts and the website www.chooseliberation.com for more information.

Conference: LatinAmerica2011 Adelante! Making a better world possible

9.30am-5pm  Saturday 3 December 2011Venue: Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

Tickets £10 waged £6 unwaged Tel: 0208 800 0155

If George Bush had been successful, Latin America would have been locked into a continent-wide agreement to attain the highest possible degree of trade liberalisation to facilitate access by US capital through clauses on trade in goods, services, investments, public procurement and competition rules that would have left sovereign states powerless to resist their economies being harnessed to the interests of transnational companies. Even without the ALCA, Latin American states face the challenge of diversifying their economies away from an over reliance on the export of primary products and towards more sustainable models of development. As long ago as the 1940s, the economist, Raúl Prebisch, said that the prevailing system of international relations was incompatible with the development of what he called the “peripheral” countries, given that the “metropolis”, i.e. the industrialised powers, controlled the international division of labour and value chains as well as the creation and development of new technology. His dependency theory, which we would refer to today as globalisation, maintained that in such circumstances, the peripheral states had great difficulty in constructing national development projects. This was recognised by some Latin American politicians, notably by Juan Perón who, during his first two administrations pursued a policy of import substitution industrialisation in Argentina, a policy that was swept away by the military dictatorship of 1976-83 and the subsequent presidency of neo-liberal disciple, Carlos Menem.

Though the US failed in their bid to create the ALCA, they signed a bilateral free trade agreement with Chile in 2003 and with the Dominican Republic and Central America in 2004. 10 years previously the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was finalised between the US, Canada and Mexico. Since its inception, over 2 million Mexican farmers have abandoned their lands, unable to compete with subsidised US imports. The exodus and destruction of so many rural communities has contributed to the political and social breakdown of Mexican society and provided fertile ground for the escalation of the drug trade. Once a country self -sufficient in food, Mexico now imports 40% of its needs. This includes genetically modified maize that is contaminating the many native varieties as well as threatening to wipe out domestic production of its most famous staple product which is embedded in the country’s indigenous culture.

The lessons of Mexico have not been lost upon a generation of Latin American politicians who, in the words of current Argentinian President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, have had enough of “anarcho-capitalism”. Political shifts have led to the emergence of proposals regarded as alternatives to the hegemony of neo-liberalism and for the development of individual countries and the wider region. Two major initiatives have emerged in the form of the South American Union of Nations (UNASUR) and the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), both of which focus on regional integration but with distinct objectives.

UNASUR was born out the first summit of the Americas in 2000 and was initially an economic initiative intended to insert South America into the globalised market by the Brazilian President, Fernando Cardoso. Since then, it has been modified to incorporate the construction of a regional market but it has also taken on a more political role. At the third summit of the Americas in Cuzco a declaration was made which announced that UNASUR had created a “South American Union of Nations” and that there would be a Latin American parliament. The body is constituted of twelve South American republics, including the Mercosur countries, Venezuela, the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and also Chile, Guyana and Surinam. Despite the differences in political orientation between the member states, UNASUR demonstrated its unity by the swift reaction to the attempted coup against Ecuador’s President Correa in September, 2010.

The Venezuelan-led ALBA project is in direct opposition to the ALCA and is significantly different to UNASUR in a number of ways. Its objectives are fundamentally political as well as economic. The inspiration for the organisation came largely from the Hemispheric Social Alliance, an alliance of diverse social movements that had been leading resistance to the neo-liberal free trade agenda. A paper entitled “Alternatives for the Americas” criticised the open market model and was influential in the formation of an agreement between Venezuela and Cuba in 2004 that prioritised the exchange of goods and services within a framework of solidarity and cooperation as opposed to the logic of the market. Bolivia (2006) and Nicaragua (2007) became part of the ALBA and other members are Antigua, Dominica, St Vincent and Ecuador. The focus of the ALBA is on the prioritising of political, social and cultural agreements that strengthen Latin American and Caribbean integration and features innovative cross border institutions such as the TV channel, Telesur, the oil company, Petrosur and, significantly, the Bank of the South.

Both UNASUR and ALBA undoubtedly contribute to a process of regional integration but the agro-exporting model of natural resources and agricultural products to what we may call the’ new’ metropolis to include China still holds sway. Buoyed by burgeoning commodity prices and unprecedented demand from the Asian giant, Latin American agricultural exports are booming but because of the concentration of ownership by local elites and multinational companies the benefits to the population at large are limited. Similarly, large scale mining projects in a number of republics have brought little financial benefit where royalty payments to host governments are rarely more than 3%  and, in common with mono-crop plantation agriculture, are responsible for environmental degradation which has engendered widespread protest and criticism across the region.

Latin America has serious problems resulting from years of neo-liberal policies with debilitated states competing for the exportation of similar primary products instead of indulging in productive complementation. The economic model was created for transnational companies and it is apparent that their goal of profit maximisation for the benefit of their shareholders is at odds with the aims of those who see regional integration and the growth of regional markets as the way forward. For the moment, an end to dependency and the Bolivarian dream of a united America (minus the US) is little more than an aspiration. Regional rivalries, vested interests and the lack of political will are formidable obstacles to overcome on the road to sustainability but as the contradictions and failings of deregulated market economies become more pronounced, the Latin American experience will have a wider relevance for us all.

Article by Bert Schouwenburg, GMB International Officer

There will be a session on ALBA and one on Nicaragua at the Latin America 2011 Conference on December 3 at Congress House. The conference will  be addressed by speakers from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia and Brazil amongst others, plus MP Jeremy Corbyn. Register online and see the full programme here.

As the Eurozone plunges into meltdown and the governor of the Bank of England predicts the worst crisis in the UK since the depression, innovative ideas based on solidarity between countries are being successfully put into practice in the Latin America through the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America (ALBA). Trade is being turned into a tool to combat poverty, rather than one for the enrichment of powerful countries at the expense of poorer ones.

Nick Hoskyns from London has worked with rural cooperatives in Nicaragua since 1997 and is now quality manager for ALBANISA, an ALBA food social enterprise. He talks to David McKnight from the Wales Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign about the role of ALBA in enabling Nicaragua to implement infrastructure and social programmes that have contributed to a significant reduction in poverty.

Can you explain what ALBA is?

ALBA is made up of Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Venezuela. It was set up to counteract the free trade agreements promoted by the Western world; in Latin America it was ALCA (the Free Trade Area of the Americas). ALBA is everything that ALCA was not: all about the poor, solidarity, Latin American peoples coming together to resolve their problems. ALBA means ‘daybreak’, and hope. In Nicaragua, that has always had people against it, it’s always been a struggle. Within ALBA you have countries willing to understand revolution and in a very practical sense willing to support and help you.

How does ALBA differ from the European Union for instance?

When ALBA countries get together it’s not a negotiation of who gets most and gives least – it’s how they can help each other. ALBA is a space for innovation, putting ideas into practice for the poor and the disadvantaged. When I listen to the debates around the bailouts of the banks in the EU, it’s all about money; ALBA works within a framework which talks about social development.

How does the fair trade agreement [between Nicaragua] and Venezuela work?

Venezuela sells oil to Nicaragua [at] the market price, but 50% of the value is a 25-year loan at 2% interest. Nicaragua invests this money in infrastructural projects and long-term development. The 50% that Nicaragua has to pay in 90 day is paid in  cash or in the export of meat and livestock, coffee, beans, milk, cooking oil and sugar to Venezuela. The priority is given to the small farmers organised into cooperatives. The principle is a fair price for both  farmers and consumers.

In 2008 Nicaraguan exports to Venezuela totalled US$27 million. We are heading for way over US$350 million in 2011. Venezuela has now become the second most important destination for Nicaraguan exports. The first of course is the US. The importance of the US to the Nicaraguan economy can’t be minimised but this is a very different trading agreement.

What are the benefits of ALBA for Nicaragua?
There was Miracle Operation, where Nicaraguans who had eye problems  have had  free operations. People who thought they were never going to have full vision again have had their sight restored. Then there’s the solidarity bonus, where employees who earn less than C$5000 (£150) get a bonus  worth C$700 a month, this is particularly important for low paid women workers.

It is an integrated approach coming from many different angles. Poverty has gone down 7%. Exports are growing at around 30% a year. The economy is growing at 4% while the West is stagnating. So ALBA is working for people directly and also working for the economy as a whole – for big businesses, for small businesses and for individual families.

What does Nicaragua contribute to ALBA?

Nicaragua provides a great ally within Central America that speaks out on international issues in favour of the ALBA countries. Nicaragua is out there at the UN an independent opinion from any lobbying from Western countries.

I’ve been privileged to have been involved in an interchange between the Cuban and Nicaraguan cooperative movements; Cuba is looking at the cooperatives in Nicaragua as a model to develop their economy. I believe that in the future, Nicaragua is going to provide a  model for the other ALBA countries of how to work in a way that is inclusive, incorporating large companies without compromising commitments to the small farmers.

What’s the future for ALBA?

The thing to understand about ALBA is that it’s about doing and it’s about achieving. For example in Nicaragua it was decided to invest in energy so there were no more power cuts. They decided that all disadvantaged children should get at least one good meal a day- that’s happening.

ALBA is a group of countries that are there to develop and to make a difference for the poor and disadvantaged. And, in Nicaragua, it’s successful. This is real and it’s working.
Further information: Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign

This article was published at Left Futures

This includes peanut and cashew nut farmers from NICARAGUA, peanut farmers from EL SALVADOR and Brazil nut gatherers from BOLIVIA, BRAZIL and PERU.

Liberation Foods supplies around eighty per cent of the UK’s Fairtrade nuts to major supermarkets – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – and for their ‘own label’ nut products and is the business behind Harry’s Nuts!, the nutty snacks and peanut butter from comedian Harry Hill.

Fairtrade to its very kernel, Liberation Foods was established to benefit, support and work alongside smallholder farmers and nut gatherers. The whole company has that as its vision – even Harry Hill makes no money from the Harry’s Nuts! brand. He backs the brand to back the farmers.

Liberation provides a vital link between the farmers and gatherers, UK consumers and products in shopping trolleys. As Brazil nut gatherer Thomas Kalappura said on a visit to Tesco, “These nuts will recognise me!” The producers are guaranteed a fair deal for what they grow and gather, plus a Fairtrade premium to invest in their communities. The co-operative – the International Nut Producers’ Co-operative – is also represented on Liberation’s board and meets regularly.

Many people still think of Fairtrade as being about bananas, coffee, tea and chocolate. Liberation wants everyone to go NUTS for Fairtrade as well. Please check the Harry’s Nuts! Facebook page www.facebook.com/harrysnuts and the website www.chooseliberation.com for more information.
Conference: LatinAmerica2011 Adelante! Making a better world possible

9.30am-5pm  Saturday 3 December 2011

Professor Chomsky analysed the long history of US intervention in Latin America and drew its insidious interference back to the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 which claimed the Americas as under the United States’ sphere of influence. The narrative of ongoing intrusion and imposition has been punctuated by violent interventions, but the distinguished theorist argued that progressive movements – from Cuba to Venezuela – have challenged US hegemony in the region.

Chomsky discussed a number of countries – including Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua – but focussed particular attention on US involvement in Cuba’s sovereign affairs. The acclaimed academic bemoaned Cuba’s consistent inclusion on the United States’ list of nations which sponsor terrorism and noted America’s hypocrisy by harbouring known terrorists such as Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch.

Following the release of Rene Gonzalez, Chomsky declared that “there are real reasons to be concerned about his safety” because Florida – where Rene is due to be held on probation for three years – is “one of the major terrorist havens in the world”. Nearly 3,500 Cubans have died as a result of terrorist attacks against the island, most of which have emanated from Miami.

When asked about the prospect of the Miami Five receiving justice, Chomsky emphasised the need for increased campaigning and activism within the UK. “If there is substantial public pressure, and here’s where activism in England can make a difference,” said Chomsky, “the US can’t ignore popular ferment from its junior partner”. With legal avenues virtually exhausted, it is essential that we heed Professor Chomsky’s advice and intensify the political struggle to bring freedom to the Miami Five.

Noam Chomsky on the Miami Five

Over 50 speakers include:

Alberto Juantorena, Cuban Deputy Sports Minister and former Olympic 400m & 800m gold medal winner
Mirta Rodriguez Perez, Irma Sehwerert Mileham and Magali Llort Ruiz, mothers of the Miami 5
Egle Sanchez, Venezuelan trade union leader
Guissell Morales-Echaverry, Nicaraguan Embassy
Professor Ernesto Laclau, world renowned academic
Frances O’Grady, TUC Deputy General Secretary
Michael Chanan, filmmaker
Billy Hayes, CWU General Secretary
Victoria Brittain, Writer
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Sally Hunt, UCU General Secretary

Plus more speakers and eyewitness reports from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina and across the continent.

Led by countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia, progressive governments in Latin America have transformed the lives of millions in recent years, extending health and education for the first time and enhancing social equality.

As part of ALBA, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, these countries are joining together to forge a better and more just society for people across the region.

The conference, Latin America 2011, is open to all. Come to find out first hand about the latest developments in the continent and how we can offer solidarity at this crucial time.

Saturday, 3rd December 2011, 9.30am – 5.00pm

Venue: Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

Tickets £10 waged/£6 unwaged Book online or call 020 8800 0155

Followed by post-conference Fiesta Latina from 5.30pm at Bolivar Hall with live music, bar and food

• View and download current programme for conference
• How to get there
• Fiesta Latina