‘Miracle’ opportunity

Two of the Miami Five – anti-terrorism campaigners who were wrongly accused of espionage and spent nearly two decades in a US prison – received an emotional standing ovation at Unite’s policy conference on July 12.

Rene Gonzales and Gerardo Hernández, freed in 2011 and 2014 respectively following a global campaign in which Unite played a pivotal role, thanked Unite’s leaders and members for their tireless support.

‘Incredibly proud’

Introducing Gonzales and Hernández, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said he was “incredibly proud” of Unite’s campaigning. He explained how Unite reached out to its sister unions in the US including the USW, the SEIU, the Teamsters and others, to organise meetings with the Five’s families as well as ensuring their plight was raised at each of the unions’ conventions.

McCluskey paid tribute to Tony Woodley, former Unite joint-general secretary, who he said drove the campaign to the free the Five with “incredible energy and determination” and often visited the prisoners.

He also hailed the many Unite members who participated in the campaign, by writing to the Five while they were imprisoned with messages of support and encouragement.

“Their release was a victory for everyone who had fought of their freedom,” McCluskey said. “And what a fight it was.”

But he noted that the fight was not yet over and said Unite was committed in its support for the Cuban people to end America’s illegal blockade of their country.

McCluskey also praised the Miami Five’s families.

“One of the most moving things I ever heard, was what [Hernández’s wife] Adriana said that she missed most about not being able to be with Gerardo,” he recounted.

“She said, ‘Every single morning when I come down to the dining table and look at empty chairs where my husband and children should be’.”

Gonzales called the opportunity to come speak at the Unite policy conference a “miracle”, considering not only the struggle they faced in securing their freedom but also in securing visas to come to the UK — their applications were originally denied by the Home Office.

“Fighting against such hatred takes a lot of strength,” Gonzales said. “A great deal of that strength came from Britain from Cubans living here and abroad and the British unions – which started with Unite.

“The way you took our case has made us humble and increases our faith in the belief that humanity can have a better future,” he added.

Hernandez gave an especial thanks to Tony Woodley. He recalled Woodley’s many prison visits.

“That man used to tell me to keep the strength, keep fighting,” he said. “He explained what Unite was, how many members you have. Despite all your struggles, you still decided to support us. Without you we wouldn’t be here today.”

“It’s not every day that we can celebrate a victory,” Hernandez added, noting that today we can celebrate many victories, including the Five’s release from prison and also their success in securing visas.

“But Cuba still needs your support to celebrate the day we win with the end of the blockade and when the US gives back the territory of Guantanamo Bay.”

“You can count on the Cuban people as well,” he added. “We won’t take our flags down no matter what. Count on us and we will be counting on you.”

In addition to having an 18-month-old daughter, Gemma, who was brought on stage to cheers from delegates, Hernandez and his wife Adriana are also now expecting twins.