Attachments
This report covers the period 01 Jan 13 to 31 Dec 13.
Overview
The complex and unique Cuban context of the country also affects the development of the Cuban Red Cross, with respect to the diversification of its financing, in the modernization of its management and facilities of the implementation of activities. The 2013 plan took this into consideration, as well as activities planned in the plan of action of the Hurricane Sandy operation.
At end of October 2012, the Hurricane Sandy affected the eastern region, during its passage through Cuba, Sandy left significant damage behind, particularly in the city of Santiago de Cuba which is not usually in the direct path of Caribbean hurricanes. The city sustained the strongest winds as it was exposed to the eastern and stronger side of the hurricane. Members of the Red Cross have been coordinating efforts internally and externally from the onset of the emergency. In Cuba, the National Society has coordinated all its actions with local authorities while sharing information with partners.
This affectation became in an opportunity for the movement to position the Cuban Red Cross as a strong humanitarian actor and confirmed the Cuban Red Cross has ample experience working alongside the government authorities to assist in the rapid evacuation of families living in areas of risk. The implementation of the activities of the operation by Hurricane Sandy and plan of action, allowed the Cuban Red Cross to be positioned as a humanitarian agency, supported by the Federation systems.
It is important to improve our communication with the National Society through increased presence and field visits to Cuba, it is difficult sometimes for the limitation of the National Society to access to media in the Cuban context and the availability of resources to do it from the country office in Santo Domingo.