“Since a few months here, our work is overshadowed by this prohibition that hinders and prevents our access to these institutions. We arrive at Havana airport and there we have to deliver the burden, with the clear warning that we are not allowed to go to any medical or community institution, ”Lazo wrote in a statement under the title of“ Clarification and Declaration ”.
Donations and milk for Cuba
Love bridges, in collaboration with other US organizations such as Code Pink and The People’s Forum, began taking this type of help to Cuba since the end of 2021.
The collection of funds between solidarity who wanted to contribute to the dust donation of powdered milk grew to the extent that the postpandemics economic crisis rose and state food imports were contracted.
“One of the ways we had to demonstrate that those inputs did come to their destination was to handle them personally in those institutions,” says Lazo in his statement.
“When we visited those centers, in addition to documenting the delivery, we could see first hand, the hardships caused by the blockade. When love bridge activists arrived there, we thanked them for their sacrifice and delivery to Cuban medical staff, workers, patients and family members. That, in addition, gave us strength to move forward and continue advocating for the end of those cruel sanctions that, to whom they punish, is the Cuban people, ”he continued.
Displays and decouregesies
Carlos Lazo said that “extremism, suspicion and silencing against us is not only a phenomenon in Miami.”
“In Cuba, phenomena also occur that discourage, block and offend those who, from anywhere in the world, fight every day for the Cuban family,” the professor wrote.
“It has even come to ‘guide’ friends and institutions in Cuba, not to receive us and move away from us,” he denounced.
Lazo referred to “the displays, decouretsiah and even verbal abuse that our activists have received”, at the same time that “institutions and bureaucrats” with whom they have had contact to “clarify the mess” insist on replying that “nothing happens ”
“It is not fair that Cubans and Cubans, decent emigrants, are sacrificed both and then being treated like this. It is not fair that those activists, who take their work days and their resources to bring powdered milk to Cuba (and face threats, offenses and dangers in Miami), arrive in Cuba and are treated as stinking. Neither there or here I can remain indifferent when the effort of men and women who give so much for their people and the Cuban family is none. ”
When love bridge activists have traveled to Cuba in recent months, they no longer receive journalistic coverage and are not allowed to go to health centers, they have explained. They ask for graphic testimony of deliveries to the officials with whom they are related to Cuba with the load.
Beyond creeds and ideologies
“Love bridges is a movement of diverse emigrants,” says the statement. “We embrace and try to agglutinate all emigrated Cubans who want good, peace and prosperity for the Cuban family. We believe that, in this battle of love, everyone who loves and founds, beyond creeds and ideologies must be included. ”
“We seek and want to have the best relations with government representatives, both from Cuba and the United States. But our loyalty, debt and commitment is and will be only with the Cuban family, ”said Lazo.
Ecumenical vision
The text speaks of an ecumenical vision that has been characteristic of the Love bridges and Cuba.
“We will continue to help our people, despite the inconveniences, from here or there. Neither regulations, nor misunderstandings, nor stumbles will prevent us from continuing to drive this work. This is a work of love. Love is imperishable. The Cuban family will go ahead! Love bridges! ”The statement ends.
Shame
It is the word that is most repeated among the multiple reactions that this complaint has caused on social networks.
René González Sehwerert, one of the five –Cuban agents arrested in 1998 in the United States and considered heroes on the island–he went to the loop asking him not to faint. “The misunderstandings, obstacles and difficulties always appear, but when the work is great, it surpasses them all, and when we get above all, we also become better.”
For his part, singer Israel Rojas, personal loop friend and close to the activism of love bridges, commented that he has witnessed “in the irresponsible and disrespectful way that members of PDA have been treated in recent months.” He added: “In this country more day is fulfilled that ‘the one who gives the face does not send. And he who commands does not face. ‘ And so it is very difficult. ”
Lyn León, one of the love bridge activists, wrote that “who They have sought, since the same beginnings, to separate bridges of love, from the constellation of the movement of solidarity with Cuba have stumbled with a ‘very hard bone to gnaw’ because these men and women come from a struggle from the heart of the hate himself. We have felt it, with offenses, push, persecution. Love bridges unites diverse and real people. They are going to find truck drivers, waiters, school teachers, cleaners. You will find patriots! We are the reserve of the country. Every day more convinced of that! “
SUPPORTS?
Love bridges has publicly maintained a relationship without friction with the authorities in Cuba, which has earned him numerous criticisms in a very hostile and polarized environment, especially in Miami.
Its activism in favor of the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, considering humanitarian arguments, began in that decade.
During Trump’s first mandate, he advocated the end of the sanctions, then supported Biden’s candidacy for the presidency from the promises made by the Democrat during his campaign.
The Pandemia for COVID-19 and the deep economic crisis that Cuba lives since then, deepened his interest in organizing a movement dedicated to helping the Cuban family without political alignments.
In that context, it was received twice by Miguel Díaz-Canel who said “strengthening links with Cubans abroad, as part of an invariable and unstoppable process”.
Also, on several occasions, Lazo has been invited to meet, both in Cuba and the United States, with Foreign Relations officials of the island.
The secondary education teacher in Seattle, Washington State, has advocated those officials, for modifications to government policies that affect Cubans residing abroad.
In its social networks, Loz has remained insisting on the need for tariff exemptions for the importation of cleaning products, medications and foods that are in force until next April.
“I invite the Cuban government to raise the prohibition of entry to the country of emigrants who currently cannot do so due to the regulation of eight years. Almost thirty years ago I asked the Cuban government to tear down walls and build bridges. If at that time I had not allowed entry to the country, perhaps my life would have been shipwrecked in the turbulent seas of hate. If the doors had closed me, if my father had died without being able to say goodbye, maybe today I would not be here trying to put a grain of sand with all of you to build bridges of love. I felt what you feel when you return to Cuba. I returned from hatred. I am a living witness of the magical effect that the neighborhood, the friends, the family, the homeland have in our souls. ”
