New Taxi Leaks

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Characters Of The London Taxi Trade: Episode One Cuban Tony

                 


On 20 July 2015, USA and Cuba re-established diplomatic relations; the American embassy in Havana and the Cuban embassy in Washington were re-opened. However, the US embargo placed on Cuba in 1960, is still active. Whether this will be lifted, remains unanswered.


Amongst those waiting for a revolution is London cab driver, Tony Caccavone. With roots in Italy, Camden-born Tony visited Cuba for the first time in 1997, following a recommendation from Canadian tourists in his cab. 

 

Moved by the struggles of the Cuban people, Tony became an activist and played a significant role in promoting the country, and educating people about the implementation of the trade embargo and the events that came to life in its aftermath. 

 

Tony has also raised money to help build an orphanage, and regularly travels back at the head of a convoy carrying aid such as children’s clothes and powdered baby milk. 


I first met Tony in the Warwick Avenue Taxi Green Hut: ''Have you ever been to Cuba?'' he asked. ''No'' I replied, and with that I was handed leaflets and told why it was a beautiful place to visit. 

After a while, he told me about his connection to the orphanage and the group of care workers who would regularly take much-needed supplies into the country. 


I was intrigued by his presence and passion for Cuba, and would often engaged him in conversation about what he was up to, in terms of his relief work and raising funds for his orphanage.



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