2004
Vancouver Rallies in Defence of Cuba!
MARCH AND RALLY
June 26, 2004
Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) First Action!
June 26th, Vancouver Communities In Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) organized a major rally indefence of Cuba and against new agression by the USA.
The rally drew over 250 people in Vancouver in defense of Cuba and was incredibly energetic and dynamic. June 26th was endorsed by the Vancouver & District Labour Council, Tim Louis - Vancouver City Councillor, and many Latin American Solidarity and social justice groups.
July 26 Celebration 2004!
CELEBRATION
July 26, 2004
Commemorating the beginning of the Cuban revolutionary movement in 1953, this celebration was another huge success. About 170 people packed the IWA hall to hear representatives from the FMLN as well as Vancouver organizers express their solidarity with the Cuban revolution and its people. The program also included, poetry, dancing, and musical acts to celebrate the accomplishments of the Cuban revolution, and looking forward to future victories for all oppressed people. The energy created by the event is something the group plans to build on for future actions, and is consistent with the VCSC initiative to build step by step, a solid, spirited Cuban solidarity movement here in Vancouver.
Cuba and Venezuela in the Era of War and Occupation: Why the US is attacking Cuba and Venezuela... and what you can do about it!
ALL DAY CONFERENCE
August 21, 2004
On August 21st, 2004 Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) held its first conference titled “Cuba and Venezuela in the Era of War and Occupation: Why the US is targeting Cuba and Venezuela (and what you can do about it)”. The conference linked the attacks on the sovereign nations of Cuba and Venezuela with the ongoing era of imperialist war, occupation and destruction. The event also lived up to its name by including dynamic discussion on the role of oppressed people in Vancouver and Canada taking action in solidarity with the Cuban and Venezuelan people. In addition to VCSC's presentation, the program included Marysol Torres of the Internationalist Bolivarian Circles, Vancouver City Councillor, Tim Louis and allowed for a broad and united defense of Cuba and venezuela against imperialist attack.The conference on August 21st was another important step toward building the unity of people in Vancouver with oppressed people worldwide. It is clear that VCSC’s approach to organizing consistently and effectively is necessary in building a Cuban solidarity movement in Vancouver and that it is a successful method. The conference on August 21st showed that only through expanding the solidarity and sympathy of people in Vancouver toward the Cuban and Venezuelan people and all oppressed people internationally will we be able to unite and prevail over those who attack us.
Press Conference:
Launch of VCSC "Lift the Blockade on Cuba!" Petition Campaign
September 17, 2004
This press conference launched the VCSC petition campaign "Lift the Blockade on Cuba!" directed toward the US government administration. The petition also included a clause targeting the government of Canada to demand that they take a position in condemnation of the cruel, inhuman and illegal blockade. This campaign was then taken to the streets with petition drives in Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond and surrounding municipalities to collect and send thousands of signatures to demand "Lift the Blockade on Cuba!"
Cuba Under the US Blockade for 43 Years: What's Next?
FORUM
October 16, 2004
On this October evening in 2004, VCSC organized and hosted our first of many forums to discuss, debate and bring the issue of the US cruel blockade against Cuba. Speakers gave presentations on the history of the blockade, how it has affected Cubans and the development of the Cuban revolution and how Cubans have struggled to make many gains despite this brutal attack.
US Blockade on Cuba
Organized by VCSC & Richmond NDP
FORUM
December 12, 2004
The VCSC Campaign to spread awareness and gather support for the demand "Lift the US Blockade on Cuba Now!" gained momentum at this Richmond forum with many people coming to learn about and discuss Cuba and the US blockade for the first time.