1199SEIU President George Gresham has released the following statement regarding recent events in Haiti and Cuba:

“Recent events in Haiti and Cuba have shocked and saddened us. They remind us of the critical importance of democracy around the world and in our own hemisphere. Peoples’ right to demonstrate and organize for justice and social change must not be threatened with violence and repression, whether from forces within or outside their countries.

“The 450,000 healthcare workers of 1199SEIU, many of whom are of Haitian and Cuban descent, are rightly concerned about the welfare and safety of their loved ones and families in Haiti and Cuba. We stand with them, and with the people of these islands, in support of their right to self determination. Regardless of our political views, each person must have right to speak freely without fear of violence and retaliation.”