Death of a committed and principled friend of Cuba

COMMUNIST PARTY OF IRELAND

10 July 2013

Death of a committed and principled friend of Cuba

The Communist Party of Ireland offers its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bernie Dwyer, who has just passed away.

Bernie was a staunch defender of the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban people. She committed a large part of her life to both working in Cuba and travelling around the world campaigning for an end to the illegal blockade of Cuba and for the release of the five Cuban patriots unjustly imprisoned in the United States. She was tireless in her efforts to expose the lies and hypocrisy of western governments in their attitude to Cuba and the Cuban people. She put her formidable talents unselfishly at the disposal of the Cuban Revolution, including making a number of important films about Cuba.

Bernie was not alone a champion of Cuba but also a great anti-imperialist who stood up and supported many of the struggles of oppressed peoples, with her great anger and passion most acute regarding the effect of war and violence upon women.

Here in Ireland Bernie had a long record of supporting women’s rights, in particular their right to control their fertility, and for absolute equality between women and men. She was pro-choice and pro-worker, opposed to exploitation no matter where it came from.

Bernie Dwyer was one of the unsung heroes of the people’s struggles. Her contribution, her energy, her compassion, her intellect and understanding, her love and kindness will be greatly missed. We salute her memory.