56 years ago, the US government
implemented a cruel and unjust blockade
against Cuba, with the intention of
economically devastating Cuba and
overthrowing its independent and
sovereign socialist government; to bring
Cuba back under US colonial control.
Over 56 years later, much longer than any
US President would have expected, Cuba
is instead thriving as a country which
provides renowned universal healthcare
and education to its people and has
advanced in many fields from the arts and
sports to science and medical innovation.
Despite these great advancements, the
US blockade on Cuba has a huge impact
on Cuba’s economy and the well-being of
the Cuban people. According to Cuba’s
Mission to the United Nations, this cruel
policy cost Cuba at least $4.3 billion in the
period between April 2016 to June 2017
alone. In addition to the blockade being in
full force, the United States government
continues its illegal occupation of the
territory of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba
and its hostile and aggressive policies
against Cuba. In March 2018, President
Trump signed the Congress budget deal,
where the US government allocated $20
million for subversive activities against
Cuba camouflaged under the so-called
“democracy programs.”
Throughout over five decades, Cuba has
never been alone and people around the
world have rallied to support and defend
Cuba’s self-determination and right to
live without the economic strangulation
of the US blockade. With US President
Trump upholding the blockade and their
cruel policies against Cuba, now more
than ever actions and protests in defense
of Cuba are necessary. In Vancouver,
Ottawa and Montreal, Canada and Kiev,
Ukraine, every 17th of the month protests
are held in front of US embassies and
consulates demanding an end to the US
blockade.
On May 17, Friends of Cuba Against
the US Blockade – Vancouver (FCABVancouver)
organized their monthly
picket action in front of the US
Consulate in downtown Vancouver.
With signs and voices raised, protesters
picketed and chanted “Hey Trump, Lift
the Blockade!” and “Return Guantanamo
to Cuba Now!” Between rounds of
picketing, people gathered to hear from
local speakers as well as to hear a phone
message of solidarity from Ottawa Cuba
Connections, who were also out in
coordinated protest, in front of the US
Embassy in Ottawa.
Month after month, in Vancouver, Cuba
and around the world, activists are unifying
their voices for an end to the US blockade
on Cuba and the full normalization of
US/Cuba relations! To find out more
about FCAB – Vancouver’s upcoming
actions visit www.vancubavsblockade.org or follow on Facebook and Twitter @NoBloqueoVan
Lift the Blockade on Cuba Now!
Follow Janine Solanki on Twitter: @janinesolanki
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