This time, 130 activists make up the humanitarian caravan, which travelled across the United States collecting humanitarian aid for the Cuban people. For the 20th occasion the Pastors for Peace action has openly defied the nearly 50-year US economic, financial and commercial blockade of Cuba.

The Reverend Lucius Walker explained that 70 percent of caravan members travel to Cuba for the first time and 30 percent of them are youths. Walker pointed out that solidarity with the Cuban people continues to grow and strengthen.

Arnold Van Weze, a caravanista and president of the Holland-based solidarity-with-Cuba movement, said he was proud that the Cuban people have defended their independence over the past 50 years without any help from the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank.

The activist stressed that Cuba is an example to follow by all countries of the World, particularly by Latin American nations; he said Socialism continues to strengthen around the World.

ICAP president Kenia Serrano thanked Pastors for Peace for their gesture of solidarity and affirmed that they represent the best values of the US people. These friends of the Cuban Revolution collected humanitarian aid in more than 100 US cities, a contribution destined to boost recovery efforts in the Cuban territories hard hit by hurricanes last year.