June 17 2006 PASTORS FOR PEACE CARAVAN TO CUBA! Forum, Filmshowing & Fundraiser Scroll Down For More Photos June 17, 2006 – The energy and excitement of 60 people gathered in support of Cuba filled the room of the local community center in which a fundraiser to kick off the 2006 Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba was held. The fundraiser for the Caravan, organized by Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) marked an exciting beginning to this year’s Caravan, which will bring aid to Cuba in defiance of the US blockade. VCSC organizer and MC for the night Lindsay Clarke introduced the program for the night, which began with the film “Bloqueo”. Filmed on the 2001 Pastors for Peace Caravan, “Bloqueo” outlined some of the brutal effects of the US’s criminal blockade against Cuba. Next, VCSC Coordinator Tamara Hansen outlined various campaigns that the US wages against Cuba – including the 44-year -old blockade, the labeling of Cuba as a ‘violator of human rights’, terrorist activities against Cuba, and sabotage of Cuban institutions and everyday people’s lives. Tamara noted that despite the criminal anti-Cuban activities by all different US administrations, Cuba has made many exceptional gains in education, health care, and all fields – gains that often surpass the United States. Next, featured speaker Richard Becker of International ANSWER and the Party for Socialism and Liberation shared his perspective on Cuba solidarity work and the role that Cuba is playing in today's world. Richard particularly focused on comparing the international role of Cuba versus the role of the US. Richard noted the interesting observation that, while the United States has a long history of waging violent wars and exploiting people around the world – particularly in Iraq today – Cuba is known for supporting the South African struggle against apartheid, for sending tens of thousands of doctors, nurses, and teachers to poor countries around the world, and for actions that improve the lives of millions of people, and support people’s human rights. After the program and discussion, music and entertainment began, with DJing by DJ Contradiction. The atmosphere was one of excitement for supporting Cuba and for the rally to send off the Caravan the next day. Overall, the lively atmosphere of solidarity and support for Cuba was a great kick-off to the 2006 Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba, which started from the Peace Arch border crossing near Vancouver the next day. Richard Becker, Pastors for Peace Route Speaker, Organizer with International A.N.S.W.E.R, Party for Socialism & Liberation A participant signs the Petition demanding an end to the Blockade on Cuba Wilson Munoz, Unitarian Church Social Justice Committee Participates in Discussion A Happy Raffle Prize Winner! Pastors for Peace Caravanista and VCSC Member, Sophie Ziner, Counts Generous Donations