Patterson calls on the Global South to forge ‘A Single Phalanx’ in centenary tribute to Fidel Castro Ruz

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson, has called on nations of the Global South to overcome "national separatism and division" and unite in defense of a more equitable global order. His message was delivered at the First International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” held in Havana to commemorate the centenary of Fidel Castro Ruz's birth.

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the nations of the Global South to abandon “national separatism and division” and unite in defence of a fairer global order

The colloquium, organized by the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre and Cuban academic institutions, convened over 1,500 delegates from approximately 60 countries. Patterson, unable to attend in person due to a convergence of circumstances, expressed "considerable regret." He noted his unique position as the "sole surviving participant" of the historic 1972 summit in Port of Spain, where Caribbean leaders established diplomatic relations with Cuba, ending its isolation in the hemisphere.

Patterson emphasized that Cuba's subsequent programs, including medical brigades, educational scholarships, disaster relief, and technical expertise, were provided without "a single conditionality" or request for reciprocity. He described Fidel Castro Ruz as "a warrior for human dignity everywhere and a champion who was an invincible foe to injustice anywhere," highlighting Castro's belief in the sovereign equality of nations regardless of their size or power.

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the sole surviving participant

Recalling Cuba's role in Angola, which Patterson credited with hastening the end of apartheid and advancing political liberation in Africa, he characterized Castro as a "quintessential strategist and simultaneously the supreme tactician." Patterson also criticized the "reincarnation of the Munroe doctrine" and the "dismantling of the multilateral system," warning of a "new imperium" that disregards international law.

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a warrior for human dignity everywhere and a champion who was an invincible foe to injustice anywhere

His proposed solution was clear: "South, South solidarity is pivotal to our survival and future well-being." Patterson urged the Global South to honor Fidel Castro's memory and precepts by forging "a single phalanx to fashion that new global architecture which is inclusive, fair and sustainable for every man, woman and child on planet Earth."

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the reincarnation of the Munroe doctrine in an even more repulsive edict, the dismantling of the multilateral system and “the emergence of a new imperium with its flagrant disregard of international law”.