This Friday (Jan 26th) at 4pm there will be a relaxed public meeting discussing “Che Guevara and the Struggle for Socialism in Latin America Today” in the comfortable atmosphere of Java’s café on Catherine St.
The meeting, hosted by Socialist Youth, will discuss both the life and ideas of the iconic Che Guevara as well as today’s mass leftwing movements in Latin America. The film “The Motor Cycle Diaries” about Che’s youth as well as the continued use of his famous image means that Che is still a symbol of struggle.
Cian Prendiville, a member of Socialist Youth, said: “Che was a heroic participant in the struggle against US imperialism and capitalism. He played a key role in the Cuban revolution which led to massive improvements in the education and health of Cubans. He also grew deeply critical of the lack of workers democracy in the USSR”
The recent announcement by leftwing Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, that he will bring the main telecom and power companies into public ownership will be a central feature of the discussion. Connor Payne, another member of Socialist Youth said: “The entire continent of Latin America is in revolt, with leftwing presidents and uprisings in Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador.”
Mr. Payne saying that “what is needed in Latin America is a deepening and advancing of the struggles for real socialism. Now more than ever the ideas of Che Guevara and socialism are vital. If you want to hear more about the heroic struggle of Che Guevara and the mass movements in Venezuela then come along to the meeting.”