Pastors for Peace caravan ends their visit to Cuba with a tribute to Fidel Castro

HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 26 (ACN) A tribute to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, five years after his physical death, was the farewell to the members of the 31st U.S.-Cuba Friendship Caravan, who will return to their homes and communities Friday, after living 11 hectic, happy and unforgettable days in the Caribbean island.

Joel Suarez, coordinator of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center, attested to the affection of the leader of the Cuban Revolution for Pastors for Peace and, in particular, its founder and dear friend, Reverend Lucius Walker, and Fidel's recognition and respect for what this solidarity initiative is and symbolizes.

In each caravan, in its members and in that tireless battle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the U.S. government, the Comandante witnessed the best virtues of the American people, whom he always held in high esteem and never blamed for the decisions and actions of their rulers, said Noemi Rabaza, vice president of the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP by its Spanish acronym).

Both speakers thanked this group for their love, solidarity, tenacity, energy and commitment, and expressed their confidence that, back home, they will tell what they have lived these days and will spread in their communities the truths and reasons of Cuba and its people, who do not give up, who work and fight to move forward, despite the terrible effects of the cruel imperial harassment.

During the fraternal meeting, held on Thursday night at the ICAP House of Friendship, there were many times when the participants, at the top of their voices and with their fists raised, insistently chanted Cuba yes, blockade no!, Fatherland or Death, We shall overcome! and Until victory, always! and there were many cheers to Cuba, to the Revolution, to solidarity, to Fidel and to Lucius.

Gail Walker, daughter of that man of faith and conscience, and executive director of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO)-Pastors for Peace, thanked the hosts and all with whom they have shared since their arrival in Havana, last 15th, the possibility of seeing and learning about how much is being done in Health, Education, Environment and other fields, the many socio-economic development projects underway.

The farewell was attended by Caridad Diego, director of the office of attention to religious affairs of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, and other representatives of that political organization, the Ministry of foreign affairs, the ICAP and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center.