Commitment with Cuba Grows, Say Pastors for Peace

Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Jul 25. -Pastors for Peace Caravan Coordinator Manolo de los Santos said the friendship project this movement leads will continue to make common cause with Cuba in its fight against the U.S. economic and financial blockade.Some believed we would not make it but we are here again; the U.S. government was unable stop us over the past two decades, and will fail to do it in the future, he told Prensa Latina.

He said the teachings and examples of Lucius Walker, who passed away in 2010, are with each member of the organization who arrived in the island after collecting more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid in dozens of U.S and Canadian cities.

Our commitment with Cuba has grown; we used to travel along 10 to 12 routes before, but this time we went through 14 routes through 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada, and at each and every corner our colorful buses with placards and banners explained the injustices of the economic, commercial and financial blockade that successive U.S. administrations have imposed on the Cuban people.

The campaign for the return of the five Cuban anti-terrorists jailed in the U.S. from 1998 has been another priority of the solidarity initiative. Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, Rene Gonzalez, Gerardo Hernandez and Fernando Gonzalez had been warning Cuba of the violent plans being plotted from Miami.

On the motivations of the members of the organization he assured the social project Cuba defends is an example of justice and equity. When we speak of creating a better world, when he seek equality in the health system, we think of this land, filled with schools and opportunities.

Some members of the 22nd Pastors for Peace Caravan arrived in Pinar del Rio, western Cuba, where they have been warmly welcomed for their friendship efforts.

The program for this 22nd Caravan -with people from the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe- includes during their stay voluntary work in El Rosario poultry farm and visits to Viñales Municipality. (Prensa Latina)