English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
President Obama, a man who actively promotes the audacity of hope and based his presidential campaigns on the idea of change, has combined both concepts in his long gaze at Cuba: he hopes Castro will change. However, that option isn’t remotely possible in Cuba. Back in 2003, Castro Bros. added to the Cuban Constitution that … Continue reading “On Cuba, Hope and Change / Alexis Romay”
See below for translation OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA from Rosa Maria Paya Acevedo December 19, 2014, The Washington Post Rosa María Payá Acevedo is a member of the Cuban Christian Liberation Movement. Mr. Barack Obama President of the United States of America I am writing to you because I assume that goodwill inspired … Continue reading “OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA from Rosa Maria Paya Acevedo”
For months Cuban authorities have been waging an intense campaign to end the blockade (or embargo) imposed by the US government against the Cuban government. Among Cuba’s demands are the release of three spies now serving time in US jails and removal of the country from the list of states that sponsor terrorism. All this … Continue reading “Where There’s Smoke / Fernando Damaso”
“Between individuals as between nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.” Benito Juarez From the pages of Granma we learned, on April 9: “The United States confiscated more than $493,000,000 from 2010 to date,” and in addition that this was, “a part of the economic blockade imposed on our country for more than … Continue reading “Do what I say… / Rosa María Rodríguez Torrado”
The official communication media enjoy press freedom to defend the system, to violate the rights of citizens, and to defame, because its owner — the Socialist State — offers them total impunity. Laritza Diversent In the period from February 26th to April 4th of this year, Cuban TV premiered 5 chapters of the “accusation series … Continue reading “Cuban Press Defames; the Government Assures Impunity / Laritza Diversent”
One of the most notable differences between living and growing socially in a democratic country versus doing so in a country governed by totalitarian precepts, is the respect for freedom to make one’s own decisions. The sovereign freedom to choose in each moment what to do with one’s own life. “Great freedom implies great responsibility,” … Continue reading “Uncomfortable Freedoms / Ernesto Morales Licea”
The news of the declarations made by Gerardo Hernandez, one of the 5 heroes of the Cuban Revolution, has had a real impact. The spy who is imprisoned in the United States proved that his own government is lying. He acknowledged the fact that the shoot-down of two “Brothers to the Rescue” aircraft, carried … Continue reading “The Star of “The Cuban Five” has Shattered / Laritza Diversent”
The following letter was written by Reynol Vicente Sanchez, a common prisoner who is currently in Combinado del Este. To Mr. Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo: To classify the conditions which you were subjected to as torture is not only irrational but also very cynical on behalf of the Castro regime, for these inhumane conditions we prisoners … Continue reading “Open Letter to Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo / Voices Behind The Bars, Reynol Vicente Sanchez”
