On July 2, 2001, US Customs officials at Coburn Gore, Maine detained a shipment of medical equipment bound for Cuba.
Members of Let Cuba Live, a group of Maine citizens who oppose U.S. policy toward Cuba, had collected supplies donated
by Maine hospitals and by doctors and nurses, and with four pick-up trucks and a rented trailer they had attempted to cross
the international border between Maine and Quebec. Their purpose was to help a neighbor in need and to challenge the
economic blockade against Cuba. By design, Let Cuba Live had not secured the license required by embargo laws for
humanitarian donations to Cuba.

The shipment had been coordinated with that of Pastors for Peace, whose caravan of trucks and buses filled with supplies had
been waved across the border from Texas into Mexico only hours before. Pastors for Peace likewise had not secured a
license. Members of the Quebec solidarity organization, Caravane d’Amitie Quebec – Cuba were stationed on the Quebec
side of the border in order to provide support for the Maine group as it attempted to cross into Canada.

U.S. Customs officials had been advised of the time of arrival of the caravan and of the contents of each box of donated
material. On receiving the small caravan, they indicated that the supplies would not be allowed to enter Canada. Drivers and
passengers then took boxes out of the trucks and carried them toward the border. Scuffling ensued, and with the help of the
Canadian activists, almost forty boxes reached the Quebec side of the border. Customs officials commandeered another forty
boxes. During the three hour long confrontation police reinforcements from throughout Somerset and Franklin counties arrived
to shore up federal authority, along with border patrol officers and a police dog. At 6 p.m. U.S. Customs officials announced
that two trucks and the trailer, all loaded with heavy, difficult to move medical equipment, had been seized. That equipment
included two anesthesia machines, three newborn resuscitation centers, an angiograph machine, a hospital crib, and two exam
tables.

Six people returned to the border the next day and maintained a vigil with protest signs until 5 p.m. At that time the group was
told that Treasury officials in Washington had declared that now the humanitarian supplies had been seized, along with the
vehicles. Let Cuba Live views the locking up of medical supplies for Cuba and the seizure of vehicles as opportunities for
friends everywhere to publicize and challenge the vicious laws and regulations that interfere with sending humanitarian aid to
Cuba.

 Maine newspapers and TV network affiliates have provided accurate, detailed coverage of this story. The participants have
found ample opportunities to tell the public about why the embargo is wrong and why it should end.  In the past week, a Maine
Senator and Representative each signed on to the current legislation in Congress that would roll back important parts of the
blockade. Rep. Allen had already expressed support. One suspects that these legislators are reacting in part to events at
Coburn Gore.

At this point over fifty boxes of medical supplies remain confiscated, and peoples’ personal vehicles are sequestered.  Federal
authorities must now be aware of a determination on the part of a few Maine citizens to resist unjust laws. The call goes out for
solidarity from like-minded, fellow citizens to join in with large numbers, resolve, and creativity, not only Maine people but also
those from throughout the nation and from abroad.

Where is the harm in helping out a neighbor?  Isn’t it about time for Washington to back off - to do the decent thing?
 

At noon, in Portland, Maine, at Monument Square, a rally and demonstration will get underway, with speakers, music, and inspiration. There will be a march to the U.S. Customs House. Bring your banners, signs, songs, and chants! All of this is in preparation for an early return to Coburn Gore, joined by brothers and sisters from all over, as we deliver even more humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba with the support of our friends in Quebec. Our main demand, of course, will be for the U.S. government to give back the supplies they took on July 2 and clear them for entry into Canada.

           Join us in Portland on July 21 and in Coburn Gore later on. Talk to people.
           Urge them to join you. Call elected representatives (202/225-3121) and Treasury Department officials
((202/622-2500). Write to newspapers.
            Think about ways to resist

People coming to Maine on July 21 from long distances who need places to stay should contact Let Cuba Live for
accommodations. We will try to support those from near and far in any way possible.

For information call Barbara at 443 – 2899, Steve at 273 – 3247, Renee at 786 – 4325, or Tom at 743 – 2183, all in area
code 207.
Electronically, contact stevbee@midcoast.com  or atwhit@megalink.net
 

Chronology
July 2, 12:00 Pastors for Peace crosses into Mexico with Friendshipment caravan, no interference

July 2, 3:00 Let Cuba Live Medical Aid caravan stopped at U.S. Customs at Maine/Canada border, most medical aid is
detained. Some aid is transported by hand into Canada and later released for delivery to Montreal.

July 3, 4:30 p.m. Customs announces that detained Maine aid is "seized."

July 3, Congressman John Baldacci announces that Let Cuba Live has "called attention to a very important issue." And says "I
appreciate the point they are making and agree that changes should be made to allow medical supplies and humanitarian aid to
be sent directly from the U.S. to Cuba."

July 5, Senator Susan Collins announces that she has sponsored "Bridges to the Cuban People Act" and that Let Cuba Live's
actions have pointed out the need for change in U.S. Cuba policy.

July 5, Congressman John Baldacci announces he is signing on as a sponsor to "Bridges to the Cuba People Act"

July 6, Congressman Tom Allen, already a sponsor of the "Bridges" Act, announces that "the recent events along the Canadian
border at Coburn Gore underscore that it is time to reconsider U.S. policy toward Cuba." And says, "I believe we should ease
sanctions on Cuba, which are a Cold War anacrhronism."

July 7, Let Cuba Live holds press conference, announces its legal team and calls for "A Day of Response" on July 21st.

July 8, Let Cuba Live announces a "Day of Response" at 12:00 July 21, Monument Square in Portland, Maine, rally and march
on U.S. Customs House.