(2020-03-19). 'Inhumane & reckless': Twitter silences Venezuela's anti-coronavirus chief as IMF denies emergency loan. rt.com 
Amid crushing US sanctions and IMF rejection already making Venezuela's struggle with Covid-19 difficult, Twitter now seems to have hobbled the country's vice-president and head of coronavirus response, Delcy Rodriguez. | Both the personal and the official Twitter account belonging to Rodriguez were "temporarily restricted" on Thursday over "unusual activity," with old tweets still visible to those who choose to view them, but no new tweets available after Wednesday. | Foreign Minister Jorge
(2020-03-19). Covid-19 and the Need, Right Now, For a Universal Basic Income. counterpunch.org 
Apart from the medical threat revealing a brutal class divide in healthcare, the coronavirus pandemic is creating social and economic havoc among non-rich populations. If ever the need for a universal basic income was evident, it is now. But governments, trying to save the neoliberal system, and making the most of the disaster to lay the foundations for a new round of disaster capitalism, won't see it. To give a couple of examples of this catastrophe profiteering, laissez-faire entrepreneur par excellence, Sir Richard Branson, wants a £7.5 billion government bailout for his airline, and Trump has proposed a…
(2020-03-19). Brazil begs for Cuban doctors — after expelling them. zcomm.org Brazil's far-right government requested the return of thousands of Cuban doctors to help fight the coronavirus. Months ago, President Jair Bolsonaro smeared the doctors as "terrorists" and expelled them…
(2020-03-19). Cargo Arrives in Venezuela With Medical Aid From China. telesurenglish.net A special medicine and medical supplies shipment arrived in Venezuela from China on Thursday, March 19th, as the Asian nation continues to provide assistance to the Bolivarian Republic. . | RELATED: | Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela, announced that the cargo arrived and assured it would allow thousands to be tested for possible Covid-19 cases and diagnose the positive ones. | The mandatary explained that so f…
(2020-03-19). IMF denies loan to Venezuela as it braces for COVID-19. wsws.org The loan request is only the latest appeal by the Maduro government for foreign finance and signal to world finance capital that it will defend profit interests.
(2020-03-19). Reject capitalist xenophobia! For international socialist solidarity in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic! wsws.org Seeking to draw attention from their own disastrous response to the pandemic, governments are attempting to direct the population's fears into xenophobia and national hatreds.
(2020-03-19). "Maximum-pressure March": US hybrid war on Venezuela heats up. counterpunch.org The first quarter of 2020 has seen the Trump administration escalate its rhetoric against Venezuela. At the State of the Union, President Trump promised to "smash" and destroy the Venezuelan government. This was followed by a renewed threat of a naval blockade on the country, which is an act of war under U.S. and international
(2020-03-19). Economists Demand Trump Immediately Lift Iran, Cuba, Venezuela Sanctions. truthout.org A group of economists and policy experts on Wednesday
(2020-03-19). UK Cruise Ship with 5 COVID-19 Cases Starts Evacuating in Cuba. telesurenglish.net The almost 700 passengers on board the British cruise ship MS Braemar, RELATED: | During the disembarkation, dozens of passengers ass…
(2020-03-19). Pacific Islands nations threatened with disaster by coronavirus. wsws.org The recent measles outbreak in Samoa underscores that COVID-19 could be catastrophic for the indigenous populations of the Pacific.
(2020-03-19). Fresno Police Department Officers Assaulted Homeless Man. indybay.org The beating of this homeless man by the Fresno Police Department will be challenged. We will not tolerate this violation of our communities homeless population.
(2020-03-19). On the Front Lines of the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Doctor's View. counterpunch.org Coronavirus has officially hit the United States. Throughout the country, there have been anywhere between 1600 and 3600 confirmed cases and 41 deaths. This number is likely a gross underestimate of the actual number of cases, as the U.S. has only tested a small proportion of the population. Meanwhile, top health officials in Ohio estimate 100,000 people could have potentially already been
(2020-03-19). Iranian Doctors Urge Neighbours to Liquidate Any US Biological Labs Amid Coronavirus Fears. sputniknews.com With over 17,300 cases and 1,135 deaths to date, Iran has been one of the countries hit hardest by COVID-19, with the virus affecting not only the population at large, but a big portion of the political elite as well. Last week, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said there was evidence that the pandemic may have been a "biological attack."
(2020-03-19). Cuban drug could save thousands of lives in COVID-19 pandemic. greenleft.org.au 
(2020-03-19). IMF Refuses Aid to Venezuela in the Midst of the Coronavirus Crisis. counterpunch.org 
On March 16, 2020, the chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva wrote a blog post on the Fund's website; it represents the kind of generosity necessary in the midst of a global pandemic. "The IMF stands ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to help our membership," she wrote. Countries with
(2020-03-18). IMF rejects Venezuela coronavirus loan request over U.S. claims Maduro isn't president. peoplesworld.org 
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected Venezuela's request for a $5 billion emergency support package to help strengthen the country's health system in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. President Nicolas Maduro wrote to the global financial organization earlier this week asking for support as the country struggles to cope with crippling U.S. economic …
(2020-03-18). Why sanctions against Iran and Venezuela during a pandemic are cruel. mronline.org 
The numbers of those infected rises, as do the numbers of those who have died. Hands are being washed, tests are being done, and social distance has become a new phrase. It is unclear how devastating this pandemic will be. |
(2020-03-18). Cuba and the Concept of Community of Nations. dissidentvoice.org 
Cuban Medical Brigade (Photo by Bill Hackwell) Some years ago I was talking to a Cuban doctor about what a remarkable achievement it was that Cuba was able to eliminate Malaria in 1973. He took the discussion in stride and said that it didn't mean much until we eradicate Malaria in the entire world. Today …
(2020-03-18). In Ecuador, Coronavirus Threatens the Survival of Street Vendors. telesurenglish.net Indigenous women with their children in tow or Venezuelan migrants whose livelihood is as street vendors, cannot follow the measures adopted in Ecuador to tackle the novel coronavirus as they do not have other means of support. | RELATED: | Among them is Jairo Arteaga, who offers a parking service arranged by the city council, and has to go out every day to look for cars that want to park on the street. | "O…
(2020-03-18). Big Tech Firms are Using Automation to Censor News About the Coronavirus. mintpressnews.com Social media is awash with people angry that their posts have been removed for no legitimate reason. MintPress was no exception, with a story about Cuba's response to the coronavirus flagged and blocked.
(2020-03-18). Caricom Leaves Guyana as Court Suspends Vote Recount. telesurenglish.net The Caribbean Community (Caricom) announced Wednesday that its independent High-Level commission will leave Guyana after a court granted an injunction restraining the Elections Commission from recounting any ballots. | RELATED: | "The Caribbean Community has no other choice but to withdraw the High-Level Team," a statement read, warning that "it is clear that there are forces that do not want to see the votes recounted for whatever reason. Any Government…
(2020-03-18). The UK's Part-Time Prime Minister. counterpunch.org The UK media are starting to refer to Boris "BoJo" Johnson as the "part-time prime minister" or "invisible man". Immediately after he won the general election in December BoJo took off with his latest mistress, Carrie Symonds, for a 2-week break (paid for by an unknown donor) on a private Caribbean island. At the end
(2020-03-18). Colombian and Venezuelan Ombudsmen Unite Against COVID-19. telesurenglish.net The Ombudsman offices of both Colombia and Venezuela announced on March 17 a collaborative working project to restrain the Covid-19 from spreading in both South American nations. | RELATED: | Both popular institutions confirmed their commitment to "promote fluid and constant dialogue with the purpose of watching over their common border, to prevent the virus from spreading and assume in an appropriate way the protection of people." In…
(2020-03-18). Twitter Restricts Profiles of Venezuelan Officials. telesurenglish.net Venezuelan VIce President Delcy Rodriguez denounced the restriction of the executive vice-presidency's official profile on Twitter this week. According to Rodríguez, the aforementioned account was used for informing citizens about the measures and actions against COVID-19. | RELATED: | "In the midst of the worst global pandemic, they are canceling an account where we are informing the population," Venezuelan Vice President…
(2020-03-18). Dominic Raab Thanks Cuba for Coronavirus Assistance. globalresearch.ca Dominic Raab, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, thanked the Cuban Government today in parliament for their assistance with the stricken British cruise ship the MS Braemar which had passengers with possible coronavirus infections. | He …
(2020-03-18). Cuba's contribution to combating COVID-19. mronline.org COVID-19 surged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December 2019, and by January 2020 it had hit Hubei province like a tidal wave, swirling over China and rippling out overseas. The Chinese state rolled into action to combat the spread and to care for those infected. |
(2020-03-18). British Cruise Ship With COVID-19 Cases Docks in Cuban Port. telesurenglish.net On Wednesday morning, the British cruise ship MS Braemar, operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, docked at the port of Mariel, in the province of Artemis, with five positive cases of the new coronavirus among its 682 passengers and 381 crew members. | RELATED: | Around 13: 00 (local time) passengers will start disembarking at the port, national media reported. | Health authorities on the Caribbean island recently announced that…
(2020-03-18). Selected Articles: Cuban Drug Could Save Thousands of Lives in Coronavirus Pandemic. globalresearch.ca 
By Cuban medicine could treat thousands of coronavirus patients as production of a "flagship" drug known to combat the disease is set to increase …
(2020-03-18). Why Sanctions During a Pandemic are Cruel. counterpunch.org 
Swiftly moves the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), dashing across continents, skipping over oceans, terrifying populations in every country. The numbers of those infected rises, as do the numbers of those who have died. Hands are being washed, tests are being done, and social distance has become a new phrase. It is unclear how devastating this pandemic will be.
(2020-03-18). 'The US Has Played With Puerto Rico's Economy for the Last 122 Years' – CounterSpin interview with Julio López Varona on Puerto Rican debt. fair.org 
Janine Jackson interviewed the Center for Popular Democracy's Julio López Varona about Puerto Rican debt for the Media…
(2020-03-18). Cuba shows a lead in solidarity amid COVID-19 crisis. greenleft.org.au 
(2020-03-17). Despite U.S. blockade, Cuban pharma industry producing needed COVID-19 medicines. peoplesworld.org 
HAVANA—(Granma) Although there is no preventive vaccine or specific treatment at this time for the new coronavirus SARS COV-2, which causes COVID-19, the Cuban pharmaceutical industry is guaranteeing production of proven, high efficacy treatment medications, including recombinant human interferon alpha 2b, in addition to another group of drugs that are included in protocols for treating …
(2020-03-17). Italy and UK rely on help from Cuba, China, Venezuela to fight coronavirus — as US steps up brutal sanctions. thegrayzone.com Italy requested doctors from China, Cuba, and Venezuela to contain the coronavirus, while Cuba rescued a ship of British citizens….
(2020-03-17). Amid coronavirus pandemic, Bolsonaro's Brazil begs for Cuban doctors — after expelling them. thegrayzone.com Brazil's far-right government requested the return of thousands of Cuban doctors to help fight the coronavirus. Months ago, President Jair…
(2020-03-17). US ramps up sanctions devastating Venezuela's health sector as coronavirus spreads. thegrayzone.com Promising to "smash" Venezuela's government during a "maximum pressure March," Trump has imposed crushing sanctions that force Venezuela to spend…
(2020-03-17). Venezuela: American Teamsters tour printing factory. fightbacknews.org Maracay, Venezuela — The Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) labor delegation toured a large printing factory on March 13 in Maracay, Venezuela, about two hours outside Caracas. As the delegates bus pulled up to the factory gates, a huge sign welcomed them, "We don't speak ill of Chavez here!" The head of the factory and a group of workers excitedly gathered around to greet the American members of the Teamsters union. | In a bold and historic move, this factory was taken over by the workers themselves during the presidency of Hugo Chavez in 2005. The previously laid off workers formed a new team…
(2020-03-17). Cuban Drug Could Save Thousands of Lives in Coronavirus Pandemic. globalresearch.ca Cuban medicine could treat thousands of coronavirus patients as production of a "flagship" drug known to combat the disease is set to increase significantly, pharmaceutical bosses said at a press conference on Friday. | President of the BioCubaFarma group Eduardo Martinez…
(2020-03-16). How Cuba is Leading the World in the Fight Against Coronavirus. mintpressnews.com As Cuba sends doctors around the world to help fight coronavirus, a Cuban antiviral drug, Interferon Alpha 2b, is helping countries like China stem the tide of the outbreak.
(2020-03-16). UN Population Fund sounds alarm over dire situation facing women and girls in Syria, as 10th year of war begins. news.un.org The UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNFPA, is expressing increasing concern about the women and girls trapped in Syria's dire and escalating humanitarian crisis, especially in the north-west, where hostilities have caused mass displacement, human suffering and damage to civilian facilities.
(2020-03-15). Corporate Media Condone Destruction of Venezuela's Voting Machines. fair.org 
The vast majority of Venezuela's voting machines were incinerated on March 7 in a fire that engulfed the main warehouse of the National Electoral Council. Corporate outlets followed the familiar script of blaming the victim, repeating the US State Department talking point that the Venezuelan electoral system is "rigged" and floating outlandish conspiracy theories.
(2020-03-15). Accomplishments of Venezuela hailed on International Women's Day. fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following speech by Sarah Martin. Martin is a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). | Happy Women's Day everyone. Our sisters in Venezuela have a lot to celebrate. Just over 20 years ago Hugo Chavez was swept into power on the backs of powerful movements fighting for a better way of life for the vast majority of Venezuelans. The wealth from this oil and mineral rich country was lining the pockets of the oligarchs inside and outside the country while the vast majority of people, mostly black and brown were desperately poor. | Venezuelan women fought in tha…
(2020-03-13). Julio López Varona on Puerto Rico's Disaster Capitalism. fair.org 
Media…
(2020-03-13). No, Venezuela does not have a six child per family policy. zcomm.org I respect UK journalist Andrew Buncombe. As I noted for FAIR last year, he was one of the few corporate journalists who reported on a study linking Trump's financial sanctions on Venezuela to thousands of deaths by the end of 2018. Since 2018, Trump has repeatedly intensified the sanctions and threatened Venezuela with military action,
(2020-03-06). Are Our Prisons and Jails Ready for COVID-19? aclu.org The | country and the world face a public health emergency in the new coronavirus | causing COVID-19. The media is filled with concerns about how we will respond. | Will we close schools? Cancel sporting events and other large gatherings? Work | from home? Avoid public transportation? | But | little has been said about one of the most vulnerable sectors of our | population: the people in our prisons and jails. Although people often think of | prisons and jails as closed environments, they are not. Medical staff, correctional | staff, and visitors come from the community into the facilities every day and | then…
(2020-02-06). Embassy Protection Collective: "We Are Not the Ones Who Violated the Law" theantimedia.com In this exclusive interview, VA talks to the activists who defended the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC ahead of their trial.