Besides seeking the return of the boat, he said his fast should also demonstrate the power of peaceful protest to democratic forces on the island. Elderly Cubans rallied around the tent early Wednesday, urging passersby to sign the letters to the President. A few handed cash to volunteers in Democracy Movement T-shirts to help offset costs, although fund raising is frowned upon at the site, spokesman Luis Felipe Rojas said. Sanchez stays there around the clock but never alone, Rojas said. Friends, family and movement members sit vigil with him.
Crowds gather around past midnight.
Downtown homeless people have also dropped by, Sanchez said.