They also shine a light on the cultural and ideological differences between a society, in Cuba, that is underpinned by cooperation, solidarity, mutuality, and one, in the United States, which places a premium on individualism, self reliance, and competition.
According to a 2004 UN report, "“Disaster preparedness, prevention and response are part of the general education curriculum in Cuba. People in schools, universities and workplaces are continuously informed and trained to cope with natural hazards. From their early age, all Cubans are taught how to behave as hurricanes approach the island. Each year they undertake two-day training session in risk reduction for hurricanes, complete with simulation exercises and concrete preparation actions. This facilitates the mobilization of their communities at the local level when a hurricane hits.”
On this episode, John Wight is joined by Bernard Regan from the UK's Cuba Solidarity Campaign to explore not only Cuba's response to natural disaster, but the ethos which underpins this response.
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