On May 29, 2022, in the face of escalated threats and a counterprotest called by the right-wing pro-blockade YouTube personality Otaola, over 130 people and 75 vehicles joined together to demand an end to the criminal U.S. blockade on Cuba. Miami caravan organizers and participants, as well as Carlos Lazo, the founder of Puentes de Amor (Bridges of Love), and Cuba solidarity activists from Vancouver, Canada; Minneapolis, MN; New York City, NY; Las Vegas, NV; Tampa and Jacksonville, FL., and Tennessee, outnumbered the pro-blockade mob.
Tamara Hansen, Executive Member of the Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC) and Coordinator of Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) and Alison Bodine, Executive Member of Friends of Cuba Against the US Blockade – Vancouver (FCAB) and member of the Editorial Board of the Fire This Time Newspaper travelled to Miami in response to the call for support as the Miami Caravan prepared to confront right-wing hostility. It was a great honour to stand with folks in Miami against the criminal blockade on Cuba in such a dynamic and celebratory action.
Following the Caravan through the streets of Miami, there was a rally at the Miami Airport. In front of the international terminal, speakers from Cuba, the United States, and Tamara Hansen from Canada demanded an end to the cruel U.S. blockade on Cuba and that President Biden normalize U.S.-Cuba relations.
The Miami Caravan was not an isolated action, in response to threats by the right-wing pro-blockade forces, more than 60 letters in support of the caravan had been sent to the mayors of both Miami and Miami-Dade County. These letters demanded that the democratic right to protest in Miami be respected and enforced and that the Miami Caravan be allowed to have its message heard loud and clear!
Furthermore, caravans and rallies across the U.S. and Canada have
been taking place on the last Sunday of every month in response to
the call by Carlos Lazo and Puentes de Amor. In May, 2022, rallies and
caravans took place in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg,
Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal in Canada.
The success of the 23rd monthly Miami Caravan and the victory over
the pro-blockade right-wing forces sets up the Miami Caravan and
all other Puentes de Amor inspired actions for continued success.
The May 29 Miami Caravan and coordinated actions in the U.S.,
Canada and around the world are an example of the unity that is
needed to build a movement that can effectively work to put an end
to the U.S. blockade on Cuba! Come out in the streets for the next
Caravan on Sunday, June 26, 2022!
President Biden: Stop Sanctioning Cuban Families!
End the US Blockade on Cuba Now!
Follow Tamara on Twitter: @THans01
Follow Alison on Twitter: @Alisoncolette
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