After 56 years of the U.S. blockade against Cuba, the U.S. government still has a tough time accepting the facts. Despite the severe economic hardships that the blockade has caused, the shortages of medicines and other import goods from school supplies to construction materials, the Cuban people have stood by and advanced the Cuban Revolution. Cuba is world renowned for its healthcare system, which has achieved a lower infant mortality rate than many first world countries including the U.S, and became the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as validated by the World Health Organization.
However, the U.S. is continuing its unilateral and aggressive campaign against Cuba. Recently the U.S. government publicly reduced the staff at its Cuban embassy to a minimum level under the pretense of absurd allegations of “sonic attacks” against U.S. diplomats in Cuba. Interestingly, Cuba was also recently awarded the Excellence Prize as the safest country for tourism at the International Tourism Fair!
Here in Vancouver, Friends of Cuba Against the Blockade have been out on the streets on the 17th of every month, demanding that the U.S. end its criminal blockade against Cuba, stop its regime change programs, and return the territory of Guantanamo back to Cuba! On March 17, supporters of Cuba came together in front of the U.S. consulate, raising picket signs and voices high to demand “Hey Trump! Lift the Blockade!” The Vancouver picket takes place alongside coordinated actions in Ottawa, Montreal and as far as Kiev, Ukraine! Between rounds of picketing, protesters heard from local speakers as well as heard a voice message from activists in Ottawa Cuba Connections, who protested in freezing -27 degree weather!
Friends of Cuba around the world have an important role in joining the Cuban people to stand up against continued U.S. attacks on their country. Friends of Cuba Against the Blockade in Vancouver will continue protesting on the 17th of every month, uniting voices for an end to the U.S. blockade on Cuba and for the full normalization of U.S./Cuba relations! To find out about the next action visit www.vancubavsblockade.org or follow on Facebook and Twitter @NoBloqueoVan
Follow Janine Solanki on Twitter: @janinesolanki
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