Press on Caravan Arrival in Havana

The members of the 18th US Pastors for Peace Friendship Caravan arrived on Thursday in Havana where they were welcomed at the Jose Marti international airport by the head of the Cuban Friendship Institute, Sergio Corrieri.

(note: Rev. Lucius Walker has joined the Caravan in Havana, today- July 23rd)

Havana, July 20 (acn) The members of the 18th US Pastors for Peace Friendship Caravan arrived on Thursday in Havana where they were welcomed at the José Martí international airport by the head of the Cuban Friendship Institute, Sergio Corrieri.

Speaking to reporters upon their arrival, Reverend Tom Smith expressed his satisfaction for this new trip to Cuba, a country that is not alone and that has become a model of what can be done, even amid difficult economic conditions, to achieve a just and equitable society, he said.Smith, who traveled ahead of the group made up by 140 people, announced that on this occasion the 90 tons of human aid that will soon arrive from the Mexican port of Tampico, will be destined to the elder.

Smith noted that the donation - collected in 127 cities of the United States and in six Canadian cities - includes surgical and X-ray equipment, walking sticks and computers, among other instruments, that will be helpful in many programs underway on the island to improve the life quality of the elder and the disabled.

Smith and Reverend Luis Barrios reiterated that relations between Cuba and Pastors for Peace will continue to strengthen and that the US restrictions and visa denials will not obstruct this exchange of love and comradeship.

He also said that among the missions of the Pastors for Peace movement, headed by Reverend Lucius Walker,who will arrive on the island next week, is the work they do with the youth, who have the possibility to learn more about Cuba's reality and to fight the blockade.

Smith added that they will also continue demanding the release of the five Cuban anti-terrorist fighters who remain unjustly imprisoned in the United States.

He stressed that the graduation next July 24th of eight low-income American youth who are studying at the Havana-based Latin American School of Medicine, is a blessing for his country.The 18th Pastors for Peace Friendship Caravan includes volunteers from the United States, Canada, Mexico and some European countries.