July 20, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Venceremos Brigade

vbrigade@aol.com

212-560-436

 

VENCEREMOS BRIGADE IS ON ITS WAY! 80 BRIGADISTAS ARRIVE IN HAVANA TONIGHT, WILL CHALLENGE U.S. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON AUGUST 4

The eighty-plus members of the 34th Contingent of the Venceremos Brigade will arrive at Havanas Jose Marti Airport tonight on a Cubana Airlines flight from Toronto.  Brigadistas will stay at an international camp outside Havana where they will work side by side with the Cuban people to paint, tile and renovate local health clinics.  Since 1969, the Venceremos Brigade has been traveling to Cuba to assist the Cuban people in various work projects, some agricultural and some in construction and renovation.  Brigadistas will also travel to Santiago to celebrate July 26th, Cubas national holiday, the 50th Anniversary of the attack on the Moncada Garrison that began the Cuban Revolution. During their time in Cuba brigadistas will also have many opportunities to mingle with Cuban people and learn about Cuban history and contemporary society.  The Brigade has never asked for, or accepted, a license for travel to Cuba.  The Brigade challenges the right of the U.S. government to restrict travel to Cuba and calls for an end to the travel ban and to the economic blockade. At 8:30 AM on August 4th, the Brigade will return on foot across the International Peace Bridge in from Ft. Erie, Ontario, Canada to Buffalo, New York, to announce its return from Cuba. The Brigade will be joined by supporters on both sides of the international border. Two months ago, the Bush Administration eliminated the second largest category of “licensed” travel to Cuba, affecting tens of thousands of people. “The time has come for people of conscience to take a stand,” says Bonnie Massey, member of the National Committee of the Venceremos Brigade. “The travel restrictions and the blockade not only harm millions of innocent Cubans, but also are an infringement on our rights as citizens of this country. We demand our constitutional right to travel.” The Travel Challenge is a joint effort with Pastors for Peace whose caravan is also in Cuba delivering tons of material aid that it transported from the U.S. through Mexico. Copies of the Venceremos Brigade Cuba Travel Challenge statement are available to the press. Members of the press are also invited to meet the Brigade as we announce our return from Cuba on August 4th at the International Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York. Interviews with local participants can be arranged prior to our departure or upon return.

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(Updated 5/7/2004)