World Youth Festival movement grows

by Judith LeBlanc

This article was reprinted from the July 12, 1997 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

The heart of the growing movement for participation in the 14th World Youth Festival to be held in Havana, Cuba July 28-Aug. 5 was described by a 17-year-old student from Berkeley High School, Tara Stearns. "The festival will be an adventure, an education and a chance to gain inspiration to become more active in my own community." But as of press time the U.S. Treasury department has not reversed its May 30 decision to deny the right to attend.

Congresspeople are responding to the foot-dragging in reviewing the decision by Treasury with letters and calls. This week Nydia Velazquez, Jerrold Nadler, Jose Serrano (all New York Democrats) and Estaban Torres (D-Calif.), joined others in Congress who've asked for a reversal of the decision to allow hundreds of youth who want a license to travel to Cuba.

Others are responding as well with resolutions. The Central Labor Council of Alameda County in California, representing 138 local unions and 68,000 members, passed a resolution condemning the action by Treasury as a violation of the constitutional rights of the festival delegates.

Lauren Garlovsky, coordinator, National Preparatory Committee for the festival, said, " Treasury doesn't realize that the 1,000 people who are planning to attend the festival represent the mainstream of the young generation, from student governments, to young workers to teenagers who want to learn first-hand what the world is all about. Many are being sponsored by their schools and community groups."

Local committees from Seattle to Baltimore are out on the streets in a massive postcard campaign. Jenn Perna, a Young Communist League organizer, said, "Our organizing has tapped into the widespread sentiment that normalizing relations with Cuba is the right thing to do."

Young Philadelphians leafleted on Independence Mall July 4th. A Bay Area barbecue netted $400 dollars and served up hot dogs and a stirring speech by Michael Parenti, an author and scholar.

The National Preparatory Committee, U.S. Organizing Committee, Venceremos Brigade, Pastor's for Peace, U.S.- Cuba Labor Exchange and Global Exchange are spearheading the efforts to bring as many U.S. citizens as possible to the World Youth Festival.

Janet Padilla, a Chicago high school activist and festival delegate, urged people to call the Treasury Department. "It's an irony that they are discouraging us from getting an education which is what they are always saying we need. What's the crime with youth getting together and working towards world peace?"

Calls should be made to Steven Pinter, director of licensing for the Treasury Department, at (202) 622-2480.