THE CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION RESPONDS TO THE CUBAN COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESS
Published: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 By: CANF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 20TH, 2011
THE CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION RESPONDS TO THE CUBAN COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESS
The
Sixth Congress of the Cuban Communist Party (CCP) has just ended,
unfortunately but not surprisingly, with much pain and no glory. The
image of Fidel Castro in quasi-catatonic state, and Raul Castro angry
and threatening, predicting more of the same but less of it all, best
manifest the outcome of the CCP meetings: Cuba will remain trapped in a
spectrum between that of an autocratic past, both repressive and
dogmatic, and a future based solely on the decisions of the ruling
gerontocracy that will stay in power at any cost and pave the way for
hereditary succession of relatives and cronyism. The changes made by
Congress, far from long-awaited improvements in the quality of life for
Cubans, show a greater entrenchment of the ruling elite marked by
militarism and repression.
The
figures speak for themselves: 6 military officials now rank among the 12
new members of the Politburo, the highest body of power, which was also
reduced from 19 to 15 members as part of the reforms. Only one woman
and three black Cubans, in a country where the two segments account for
well over half the population, sit as current members. Meanwhile, two of
Raul Castro's son-in-laws were elevated to the CCP Central Committee;
one of whom, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, controls 60% of the economy, which
remains militarized.
This
data shows an attempt to perpetuate a system that has continuously
marginalized its citizens in decision making and in exercising popular
sovereignty for more than 52 years. In a world where citizens are ever
more eager to be the protagonists of their own destiny, as is supported
by the recent events in Tunisia and Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen, the
Castro regime is increasingly closing the doors of democracy to Cubans.
The
Cuban American National Foundation strongly rejects the results of the
Sixth Congress of the CCP, which clearly signals no fundamental change
in the lives or well-being of Cuban citizens. Once again, it is clear
that the path to sincere democratic change in our homeland will not come
from the regime or external factors, but rather through the will of the
people and nonviolent activism. At this juncture, there is an evident
need for people to take responsibility in promoting liberty as a result
of their own actions, and not to wait for a sudden change of heart or
sign of good will from their rulers. Given the obstinacy of the Castro
regime, CANF reaffirms its commitment to continue assisting Cuban Civil
Society in all its manifestations, in the demand for their civil rights,
peace and welfare for all Cubans.
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