The 33rd Pastors for Peace Caravan received on Tuesday the Holguin Axe, the highest distinction granted by the government in that eastern province, after their arrival in Cuba through the ‘Frank País’ International Airport.
Gail Walker, daughter of Reverend Lucius Walker and continuator of the solidarity project, expressed her gratitude for the award and stressed that they are traveling to Cuba as an expression of love and support to the people and in rejection of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba for more than 60 years. Gail also called on the Cuban people to resist in the midst of a difficult scenario, mostly caused by the restrictions of the genocidal policy.
Gail Walker described as a medal her recent arrest while trying to advocate for Cuba before Senator Bob Mendez, chairman of the U.S. Senate International Relations Committee.
She added that Cuba has many friends in the world, willing to fight for just causes despite imperialist hostility and harassment by the anti-Cuban right.
The group, made up of 30 caravanists, will carry out an extensive program of activities in the eastern territory, including a visit to the General Hospital “Doctor Gustavo Aldereguía Lima”, located in the municipality of Gibara, and exchanges with government authorities on environmental issues and an ecumenical worship with members of the Los Amigos Religious Society.
During the reception, Gail Walker was also decorated with the Holguin Shield, recognition granted by the provincial government for her work in defense of the Cuban Revolution.
Yunia Pérez Hernández, vice governor of Holguín, thanked the group for its work in collecting donations of medicines, school supplies and other inputs for health and social institutions and vulnerable communities.
She also evoked the friendship between the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz (1926-2016), and Reverend Lucius Walker (1930-2010), on which the foundations of this solidarity project, which began in 1992, are based.
After completing the activities in Holguín, the Caravan will move on to the province of Granma, where they will pay homage to José Martí (1853-1895) in Dos Ríos, visit the Wax Museum and meet with members of civil society.
Afterwards, the caravanistas will travel to Santiago de Cuba, where they will visit sites of economic and social interest, meet with owners of micro and small and medium-sized enterprises and participate in the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks.
