The Martí Association of Cuban Residents in Panama (Amcrp) today reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of its native homeland in the face of escalating coercive measures imposed by the United States for over six decades.

In the final declaration of the 14th National Meeting, its members rejected Washington's economic, commercial, and financial embargo, demanded the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, and called for the return of the territory occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base.

The document, read by outgoing organization president Humberto Pérez, further denounced the energy siege, describing it as collective punishment due to its severe impact on the population's access to essential services and the overall well-being of Cuban families.

Participants emphasized the importance of playing an active role in improving their country's economy, as well as preserving Cuban culture, values, and national identity among younger generations and their descendants.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Cuba to Panama, Orestes Pérez, and the head of the Panama provincial chapter of the National Solidarity Coordination Committee, attorney Lilian Ruiz, among other prominent figures.

Ana Teresita González, Director General of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, sent a virtual greeting message praising the work of the Amcrp and inviting young Cubans living abroad and their descendants to participate in the 2nd Virtual Forum “Connecting Roots,” aimed at strengthening ties with the Caribbean nation.

For her part, the Consul of Cuba in Panama, Mahivyn González, highlighted ongoing efforts to bring consular services closer to local communities, including recent mobile consular events held in the capital, West Panama, and Colón.

In turn, Ruiz stressed the need for joint and systematic collaboration between Amcrp initiatives and groups allied with Havana.

Meanwhile, Jorge Guerra, who concluded his term as vice president of the organization, praised the creative resilience displayed on the island and the efforts underway to attract more visitors despite subversive social media campaigns attempting to portray Cuba as a failed state.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Pérez underscored the importance of the Amcrp maintaining its own voice and developing initiatives that complement the diplomatic mission's work in defense of the Cuban Revolution.

The diplomat also addressed the difficulties facing numerous families in Cuba, particularly vulnerable individuals in need of surgical procedures and those experiencing hardships in education and employment.

Pérez identified the U.S. blockade as the main obstacle to the island's economic development and condemned the executive orders of President Donald Trump intended to suffocate its people, affirming that they will not succeed.

The Association elected a new board of directors and reiterated its support for the Network of Cuban Residents in Latin America and the Caribbean, expressing its readiness to continue offering proposals to strengthen bonds between Cuba and its citizens abroad.