From: nyt%nyxfer%igc.apc.org@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu (NY Transfer News)
Subject: Cuba Caravan Returns in Triumph
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: The NY Transfer News Service
Resent-From: "Rich Winkel" <MATHRICH@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 23:36:44 GMT


Via The NY Transfer News Service * All the News that Doesn't Fit


Cuba caravan returns in victory

By Teresa Gutierrez

An exhausted but jubilant 103 "caravanistas" flew from Havana,
Cuba, to Tampico, Mexico Dec. 3 as they made their way back home
to the U.S. Still ahead for the Pastors for Peace U.S.-Cuba
Friendshipment caravan was the cross back into the U.S. This
resulted in another victory against U.S. imperialism, as the
caravan smoothly crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without incident
on Dec 4 at Laredo, Texas.

No caravan member had ever before experienced such a victory and
such genuine solidarity. Workers from the Cuban airlines, in
gratitude for the struggle, made the flight unforgetable by
presenting each caravan member a huge bouquet of flowers and a
bottle of the incomparable Cuban rum. The bottles were later
donated to Mexican activists for fundraising.

Upon arriving in Tampico, the participants boarded the over 40
vehicles that had been left parked in an empty lot for over 10
days and headed back to the U.S. Members of Va por Cuba, a
Mexican solidarity organization, had watched the cars 24 hours a
day. It was another example of the tremendous solidarity so many
people showed the caravanistas.

Some of the Va por Cuba members said it was the least they could
do for revolutionary Cuba. One, Manuel, told caravanitas he
hasn't had a job for months and things are difficult, but Cuba
represents hope for him. "My children call Fidel grandfather
because I have spoken so much of him and what he has done for the
poor." Several members of the caravan presented the Mexicans with
gifts from Cuba.

When the caravan reached the border the afternoon of Dec. 4, no
one knew what to expect from U.S. customs. But in a clear
indication that the authorities were taking a hands-off policy,
the caravan crossed smoothly. All the Vehicles were stopped and
searched but no one was held for long.

It was another indication of the victory in these round in the
fight against the over 30-year cruel U.S. blockade.

But the battle is far from over. Both Cubans and caravanistas
alike made it clear they know the blockade is still in place and
the ultimate goal is to end it and stop all U.S. aggression
against Cuba.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee the U.S. government will not
harass or bring charges against Pastors for Peace or any of the
participants in the future. In addition, the case of Ajumoke
Tokunbo, one of the four caravanistas arrested crossing the
border into Mexico (see WW Dec 3, 1992) could become a long
struggle the solidarity movement must defend.

Nonetheless, the Pastors for Peace U.S.-Cuba Friendshipment
Caravan represents a tremendous victory not only for the
solidarity movement but for Cuba as well. The caravan struck a
blow against the blockade. Along with the United Nations vote
condemning the blockade, it showed that the U.S. government, not
Cuba, is isolated. It presents an opportunity to seize the moment
and fight U.S. policy against Cuba.

End the blockade! Hands off Cuba!

(Copyright Workers World Service: Permission to reprint granted
if source is cited. For more info contact Workers World, 46 W. 21
St., New York, NY 10010; "workers" on PeaceNet; on Internet:
"workers@mcimail.com".)


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