Vol. 72/No. 13      March 31, 2008

Most of the demonstrators were Cuban Americans, and many were members of the Alianza Martiana (Martí Alliance), a coalition of organizations that oppose Washington’s decades-long embargo against Cuba, including travel restrictions, which have been tightened substantially in recent years.

In 2004, the U.S. government tightened restrictions on trips by Cuban Americans to the island, limiting visits to once every three years and only to visit immediate family members. Washington also limited remittances to Cuba to $300 per quarter. Prior to these restrictions, Cuban Americans were permitted to visit close relatives once a year.

The Alianza Martiana includes the Antonio Maceo Brigade, the Alliance of Workers in the Cuban Community (ATC), the Bolivarian Circle of Miami, and the Association of Christian Women in Defense of the Family.

The groups have organized similar caravans in the past, but this was the first time that they traveled on Calle Ocho past such rallying points of opponents of the Cuban Revolution as the Versailles Restaurant.

Most of the cars were decorated with placards in Spanish and English with slogans such as “No to restrictions on travel to Cuba,” “Yes to travel to Cuba,” and “The family is sacred.” A few cars joined the caravan while it was in process.

Reactions from people on the street were mixed. Many waved, cheered, or gave the thumbs up sign, but some shouted, “Go to Cuba and stay there,” cursed, or gave the thumbs down sign.

As the protesters gathered in preparation for the caravan, Rosa Reyes, president of the Association of Christian Women in Defense of the Family said, “This is the best possible way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

Andrés Gómez, a leader of the Alianza Martiana, told participants, “This is a good turnout, and next time we will have more. We have done these caravans sporadically, but now we will do them regularly. We represent the conscience of the Cuban-American community.”
 
 
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Four sue to overturn U.S. curbs on travel to Cuba  
 
 
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