For more than 50 years the US has maintained an illegal and unjust blockade against Cuba. According to Cuba’s Mission to the UN, this cruel policy cost Cuba at least $4.7 billion in the year between April 2015 and March 2016 alone. This huge cost might be surprising to some, considering that the US and Cuba re-established diplomatic relations over two years ago, however, the main components of the blockade still remain firmly in place.
Because of this, on the 17 of each month, Cuban flags can be seen waving in Downtown Vancouver. On this day, Friends of Cuba Against the US Blockade (FCAB-Vancouver) organizes a picket action in front of the US Consulate to demand an end to the US Blockade on Cuba, the return of Guantanamo Bay to Cuba and that the US end their campaign for regime change in Cuba.
On April 17, chants of “Hey, Trump, End the Blockade!” filled the air as participants in the FCAB action made sure that the US Consulate in the building above could hear loud and clear the shouts coming from below. These demands were also echoed by voices far away in Ottawa, Canada, where Ottawa-Cuba Connections also organizes a picket on the 17 of each month at the US Embassy.
This month, FCAB-Vancouver also participated in an on-line Twitter Storm action which was called by the New York Cuba Solidarity Project. As part of this event supporters of Cuba are encouraged to send a Tweet to US President Trump “@realDonaldTrump I support lifting the blockade against Cuba! #cubasibloqueono #endtheblockade”
As Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said while on a tour in Spain this month, “The current government of the United States has said it is reviewing its policy towards Cuba. We reiterate our readiness for dialogue and cooperation on the basis of the absolute respect for our sovereignty.”
Whether on the campaign trail or in office, US President Trump has had nothing good to say when it comes to ending this cruel and unjust policy. In fact, he has even threatened to put an end to any ongoing talks between the US and Cuba. Friends of Cuba around the world have the responsibility to join with Cuba in their demand to end the US blockade. With united and consistent actions, we will win!
Join FCAB-Vancouver at our next action, Wednesday May 17, 4pm at the US Consulate in Downtown Vancouver, 1075 West Pender Street.
To get the latest updates on US/Cuba relations and find out how to get involved visit: www.vancubavsblockade.org
END THE BLOCKADE ON CUBA NOW!
RETURN GUANTANAMO TO CUBA NOW!
US GOVERNMENT STOP THE CAMPAIGN OF ‘REGIME CHANGE’ IN CUBA AND IMMEDIATELY STOP INTERFERING IN CUBA’S SOVEREIGNTY AND SELF-DETERMINATION!
Follow Alison Bodine on Twitter: @alisoncolette
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