The below sign-on statement, "In Support of Cuba: Worldwide call to artists and intellectuals", has been issued by the Cuban government. To add your name, visit http://www.concubahoy.cult.cu.
Our country is facing a dramatic situation. We have suffered the wrath of two powerful hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, in just eight days. These natural disasters have seriously affected food production and essential sectors of the economy throughout the country.
Although very few human lives were lost, a massive amount of houses, schools and cultural institutions were damaged or completely destroyed.
In view of this tragedy, a debate about the restrictions imposed by the US on Cuban residents to visit and send supplies and money to their families in Cuba has begun. Cuba has requested authorisation to buy materials from the US to repair homes and power lines.
In addition, Cuba has requested that US companies receive authorisation to extend commercial credits to the island to buy food. The Bush Administration's reply has been a ridiculous offer of aid while ratifying their policy of political and economic blockade, even more cruel and immoral under the present circumstances.
We are sending an appeal to artists and intellectuals around the world to demand an immediate end to the criminal US blockade and to promote solidarity and support of our country.
Donate to Cuba's hurricane relief fund
To make a donation to help Cuba recover from the devastation caused by hurricanes, you can make a transfer or deposit, in either Euros or Canadian dollars only, via the banks listed below. Do not use US dollars or US banks, as the funds may be confiscated under the US's economic blockade of Cuba.
The deposit must state that the beneficiary is the Banco Financiero International S.A., Havana, Cuba, with the subject "Ayuda Humanitaria por daños causados por el Huracan" for identification.
For donations in Euros, you can use:
Dresdner Bank A.G.; Swift code: DRESDEFF; Account no: 499/08089929/00/888, or;
Credit Mutuel; Swift code: CMBRFR2B; Account no: 118080091600020396811003.
For donations in Canadian dollars, you can use:
National Bank of Canada, Montreal; Swift code: BNDCCAMM; Account no: 02929623600100101, or;
Toronto Dominion Bank, Toronto; Swift code: TDOMCATT; Account no: 0360-01-2201925 TORONTO.
Please inform the Consulate of Cuba in Sydney at noticuba@cubamission.com/a> of the amount and date of your deposit, and your name.