The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) has awarded the Friendship Medal to Australian activist Donald Dutherland, promoter and organizer of solidarity aid to the island’s medical system.

This recognition is granted by the President of the Republic of Cuba upon the recommendation of the ICAP President Fernando Gonzalez and was awarded to the activist for his valuable contribution to strengthening solidarity between the two nations.

In accepting this honor, the solidarity activist emphasized the importance for the Australian people of helping Cubans at a time when the maximum pressure policy exerted by the United States seeks to stifle the resistance of the inhabitants of the largest island of the Antilles.

“The practice of helping Cuba defy the cruel aims of the world’s most powerful empire, which seeks to destroy humanism and socialism, is, for us, an essential action,” he emphasized.

Dutherland received the award in Havana from ICAP’s First Vice President, Noemí Rabaza.

In her remarks, Rabaza thanked, on behalf of the Cuban people, the Australian Children’s Hospital Fund for its ongoing support of the island’s healthcare institutions.

In an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina, the director of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Eugenio Selman, highlighted Dutherland’s work and his connection to the hospital.

“Mr. Sutherland embodies the best sentiments and efforts of Australian unions and workers who understand the importance of what is happening in Cuba right now,” he stressed.