THE UKRAINE FINALLY PAYS UP: CUBA'S CHILDREN OF CHERNOBYL PROJECT

Following the fall of the Soviet Union Cuba entered a time with the euphemistic title, "The Special Period". With the end of all financial support and favorable trade agreements, the island went into a severe economic decline. Immediately. There was no tapering off or gradual decline. As one Cuban told me, "One day we had it, the following day it was gone." Most Cubans now have an historical perspective and can see it is better to be more economically independent, but at the time it was a shock. As well as trade, literally overnight all "The Russians" (as the Cubans called them) were gone from Cuba. The cultures were so different, they never mixed well. My favorite story was that after they left their Embassy and the Cubans went to clean it out they found a steam room had been installed. One of the workers just laughed, "Why didn't they just go outside if they wanted to sweat?" But there were other examples of the differences between the two countries.

Starting in 1990 the Cubans turned over a special youth camp to a medical project called, "The Children Of Chernobyl". I visited this place in 1996 and it is a truly beautiful place called Tarara. It is a beach resort and previously outstanding young students were rewarded with a vacation to this special camp. But in 1990 it was set up for treatment and rehabilitation of children who survived the nuclear disaster. It is all free including the transportation for the children and one parent. And they never missed a beat during their own suffering of the "Special Period". This is one time when the sins of the parents were not visited upon the children. The doctors often met with tourists who were interested in this project. In the meeting I attended many wanted the doctor to say how much it was costing Cuba during this time of economic hardship to continue bringing these children and their parents. The doctors just smiled and said they did not know and that was not a concern. I remember one doctor who said,"This is who we are. This is Cuba."

They have treated 20,000 children about 30% of them have severe cancer, immune, orthopedic or systemic diseases. In addition to those young victims of Nuclear disaster they also treat victims of more recent ecological disasters. Before last week the only thanks they have received is from the parents and children. But now they have had a visit from President Viktor Yanukovych of the Ukraine who said, "Cuba has born the great financial burden for the children of Chernobyl, but today it's time to offer you remuneration for these services." He also brought medications and medical equipment which will be appreciated as it is very difficult for Cuba to purchase these things on the global market because of the U.S. blockade.