Protesters support Cuban people

¡Libertad

para los Cubanos!

Ocalans rally in support of Cuban demonstrations

BY CARLTON REESE PHOTOS BY RALPH DEMILIO

For more than 60 years they’ve waited, and now it seems the march toward freedom has turned into a double-quick step. With thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets in Cuban cities in sheer defiance of the communist dictatorship, their cries for liberty are being heard throughout the country, including here in Ocala.

In solidarity with the Cuban protesters, many Ocalans – particularly those of Cuban descent and with familial ties in that country – waved Cuban and American flags while dancing and singing near the highway for all passersby to see. Many gathered around cell phones watching live demonstrations take place all over the island country. Amid honking horns of support, the revelers at Paradise Bakery and Cafe, a Cuban-themed eatery on Southeast Maricamp Road, expressed their support for the Cuban people in a strong sense that the winds of change may finally be blowing in the right direction.

“I’m pretty sure this is going to be the end of communism in Cuba,” said Wenceslo Minami, who fled Cuba with his family 30 years ago and now owns his own business in Ocala. His sentiment is hopeful and reflects that of the block party taking place. “The people in Cuba don’t have the fear (of the government) anymore. They want a better life; they want a better Cuba.

“This is a very historic moment and we want to see freedom.”

One sign displayed the Cuban flag with the words “Patria y Vida” (homeland and life), an obvious spin of the communist regime’s slogan “Patrio o muerte” (homeland or death). The sign, much like those being carried by Cuban citizens during their protests, received loud honks of support from a multitude of drivers passing by.

The scene resembled more celebration than rally, as though their team had just captured the World Cup or won the Super Bowl. Outward signs of discontent among the Cuban people have been hard to find since Fidel Castro rose to power in 1959, so consider marching citizens in the streets of Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara as a victory of sorts.

Adiel Triana proudly waved a Cuban flag during the Ocala celebration. His father was imprisoned in Cuba over his religious beliefs and 25 years ago his family earned asylum in the United States. Any uprising back in Cuba is music to Triana’s ears.

“It’s about time,” Triana said of the demonstrations. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s a start. The people are chanting ‘Liberty! Liberty!’ and ‘No more tyranny!’ – now, all of a sudden, the Cuban people have awakened.”

To those singing, dancing and shouting support over loudspeakers at the Paradise Bakery, there is the sense that any public uprising signals an inevitable downfall of the communist regime in Cuba. The only question is whether the regime will go down quietly – will the end resemble East Germany in 1989 or St. Petersburg of 1905?

“I don’t think they will give up without something (bad) happening,” Triana said. “It’s a criminal regime – they use force. The people there don’t have weapons, they don’t have any way to defend themselves. It takes a lot of courage for them to go to the streets in that system.”

Whatever the future holds for the people of Cuba, the first battle lines have been drawn, and for those rallying at the Paradise Bakery there is little question as to whose side deserves the support of not only the American people, but the American government as well.

“We need support, any kind of support,” Triana said. “We need to help the Cuban people connect to the internet – maybe that’s something the United States can do. We must keep pressure on the Cuban government to see if we can get rid of that system once and for all.”