U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, issued a statement on May 20 commemorating Cuba’s Independence Day.
The date marks 124 years since Cuba gained independence from Spanish colonial rule. In his statement, Díaz-Balart reflected on both the historical significance of the day and ongoing challenges faced by Cubans seeking freedom.
“Today we commemorate 124 years since Cuba achieved its independence after centuries as an oppressed colony under Spanish rule. Tragically, just decades after gaining its independence, the Cuban people again fell under tyranny—this time under the oppressive Castro regime,” Díaz-Balart said.
He continued: “For the past six decades, Cuban heroes have continued to demand freedom and fundamental human rights. We cannot forget martyrs such as Pedro Luis Boitel, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Juan Wilfredo Soto García, Laura Pollán, Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero who lost their lives in that struggle. And today, brave activists from July 11th (11J), some of whom were minors at their arrest—as well as artists from Movimiento San Isidro like Maykel Castillo ‘El Osorbo’ and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara—remain imprisoned simply for demanding basic freedoms.” The congressman added: “The road to Cuba’s independence was neither quick nor easy. We know that the Cuban people will be free—and it will be thanks to pro-democracy activists who continue defending human life, dignity, human rights and liberty until full independence from tyranny is achieved once again.”
Díaz-Balart has served in Congress representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003; he previously served in both chambers of Florida’s state legislature according to Wikipedia. He was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently resides in Miami according to Wikipedia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida according to Wikipedia.
The annual commemoration comes amid renewed calls for democratic reforms in Cuba by activists inside and outside the country.
