192 countries in favour, 2 opposed (the US and Israel). That's how the United Nations General Assembly voted on the resolution to condemn the U.S. blockade on Cuba, for the 23rd time, on October 27 2015. An overwhelming and undeniable call to the United States to end the unjust 54 year old blockade of the island. And they aren't the only ones.
The Newly formed group 'Friends of Cuba Against the U.S. Blockade – Vancouver' (FCAB-Vancouver) is adding their voice to this international call on the 17th of every month in front of the U.S. Consulate. This October FCAB-Vancouver held their second monthly picket, with peace-loving people from across Vancouver coming together as loud chants and waving Cuban flags once again filled the cloudy skies next to the U.S. Consulate. The anti-blockade activists proudly held up colourful signs declaring “Now, More Than Ever, Let’s Break the US Blockade on Cuba!” and “Ahora, Mas Que Nunca Rompamos El Bloqueo”.
The picket brought out supporters of Cuba from many different walks of life, students, workers, and retired people. This included rally speakers, David Whittlesey, a long-time civil rights and social justice activist, Tamara Hansen, the coordinator of Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC), and Shakeel Lochan, a social justice organizer and poet. David spoke especially about the insanity of the blockade, which for over 54 years has been a key part of the U.S. strategy to overthrow the Cuban government. This failed strategy has cost the Cuban government more than 1 trillion dollars, denying Cubans access to basic medicines and educational supplies.
On December 17, 2014, the government of the US and Cuba announced renewed diplomatic relations. Despite this, and despite the resounding results of the most recent UN vote, the U.S. blockade remains in full force. Friends of Cuba Against the U.S. Blockade – Vancouver is committed to organizing monthly picket actions in opposition to the criminal U.S. blockade against Cuba, on the 17th of each month until the U.S. blockade is lifted once and for all!
Join the picket line on December 17th, 4pm, at the U.S. Consulate and add your voice to the growing movement demanding:
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!
Please visit the website to find out more:
www.vancubavsblockade.org
Back to Article Listing
