Pastors for Peace in Havana
Source: Granma, 23 July 2011.
by LEANDRO MACEO LEYVA
The 22nd US-Cuba Friendship Caravan arrived in Cuba Friday afternoon from Mexico, after touring 130 U.S. cities to multiply solidarity with Cuba. With over one hundred members, the peace activists came to challenge the economic, commercial and financial blockade in place for more than half a century in Washington, inspired by the ideals of their eternal leader, the Rev. Lucius Walker.
Helen Bernstein, interim coordinator of the organization, confirmed that the brigade is aware of the responsibility of continuing the legacy of Lucius, who for the first time did not physically accompany the caravan.
"Our commitment to solidarity with Cuba is forever," she said.
Leira Sanchez, head of International Relations of the UJC, welcomed the visitors, and thanked them for their show of perseverance and belief in the ideals they uphold.
The activists were met by Caridad Diego Bello, head of the Office of Attention to Religious Affairs of the Central Committee, Kenia Serrano, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, and the Rev. Raul Suarez, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Centre.
Pastors for Peace Bringing Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Source: Granma, 22 July 2011
The twenty-second Caravan of Pastors for Peace has reached the port city of Tampico, Tamaulipas, from where it will sail to Cuba with more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid collected in 130 U.S. cities, announced Prensa Latina.
Upon arrival in Mexico, the group with more than 100 activists, upheld its challenge to the U.S. blockade against Cuba, and emphasized that love is our license in memory of the Reverend Lucius Walker Jr. The humanitarian aid includes medicines, computers, school supplies, portable solar panels and 14 vehicles.
After completing customs formalities, the peace activists held several meetings with Mexican organizations in solidarity with Cuba, as well as being received by students and employees of the University of North Tamaulipas.
According to Helen Bernstein, interim coordinator of the organization, the U.S. authorities only seized seven computers. For Bernstein, the seizure was not new, as last year also U.S. customs confiscated computers crossing to Mexico.
During the visit to Cuba, from July 22 to 30, the solidarity group will hold various exchanges with students, artists, scientists and farmers, besides participating in the graduation of 20 young Americans in the Latin American School of Medicine.
