Latest news with #OperationPedroPan
Miami Herald
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
U.S. program paused under Trump helped independent voices tell the truth in Cuba
The Cuban dictatorship just 90 miles from Florida has spent more than six decades oppressing and silencing its people to survive. Its grip on power depends on controlling information and ensuring that Cubans can't think critically, speak freely or organize without fear. That's why supporting Cuba's independent journalists and democracy activists is not just a moral imperative. It's a strategic investment in a freer Cuba, a more secure Western Hemisphere and a safer United States. Today, that investment is at risk. The U.S. has long supported Cuban democracy efforts through the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a congressionally mandated private foundation. But State Department funds for this work are being paused as the administration reassesses its priorities. These initiatives help Cubans push back against authoritarian control and build a democratic future. There is bipartisan recognition that a free, democratic Cuba aligns with long-term U.S. interests of a more stable, prosperous region. That's why restoring NED's support for Cuba's independent voices is critical. They need our backing now more than ever — when the regime is at its weakest. Cuba's economic collapse is accelerating. Inflation exceeds 500%. Public services have crumbled. Over 400,000 Cubans have fled in two years — reshaping South Florida communities and overwhelming the U.S. border. As someone who fled Cuba as a child during Operation Pedro Pan, one of us, Mel Martinez, knows firsthand what it means to be silenced. My family had to choose between freedom and home. That experience shaped my conviction that no Cuban should have to leave their country just to have a voice. As a U.S. senator, I fought to support those still inside Cuba continuing the struggle I was forced to leave behind. Today, alongside Damon Wilson, who leads NED's mission to advance freedom worldwide, we remain committed to that fight. NED has supported independent journalists and democracy activists in Cuba for over four decades. These partners are breaking through state propaganda and dismantling the regime's lies every day. The impact isn't confined to Cuba's borders. Despite harassment, exile and imprisonment, independent journalists persist. In 2024 alone, NED-supported media reached more than 10 million people — half of them inside Cuba. Local news bulletins, like those from the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression (ICLEP), hold officials accountable in real time. NED partners like Diario de Cuba are holding the regime accountable at home and abroad. Their exposé of a former Cuban judge — who sentenced peaceful protesters and then sought asylum in the U.S. — exposed corruption within Cuba's judiciary and pushed for justice across the Florida Straits. Another partner, Cuba Siglo 21, uncovered how GAESA, a military-run conglomerate of former generals, serves as the regime's economic backbone — an investigation published in the Miami Herald. Without Cuba Siglo 21's work, much of this information would remain buried. These investigations don't just expose corruption — they create a ripple effect, enabling other journalists to follow the money. Meanwhile, Cuba remains a destabilizing force across the region, exporting antidemocratic narratives through state-run institutions; and, as NED partner Directorio Democrático revealed, allowing its citizens to be recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine. These revelations matter. They undermine the regime's legitimacy, galvanize international accountability and arm Cubans — and U.S. policymakers — with the truth. This is not just a Cuban crisis. It's a U.S. national security concern. A bankrupt dictatorship near our shores threatens regional stability, fuels mass migration, and enables authoritarian influence from Moscow to Caracas. But this is also a moment of opportunity. The regime is morally and fiscally bankrupt and out of answers. The Cuban people are not. They are demanding change, and independent journalists and freedom fighters are helping them imagine — and build — a different future. The U.S. must not blink now. We call on Congress, the administration and international partners to ensure continued investment in Cuba's democracy movement. These frontline actors need immediate, sustained resources to continue their work. Every day without them, the regime's stranglehold of censorship tightens. Mel Martinez is a former U.S. senator from Florida and a NED board director. Damon Wilson is the president and CEO of NED.
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice star Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies, aged 78
Actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez, who appeared in Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice, has died aged 78 following a 'long and painful illness'. The Cuban star died in the early hours of Thursday morning (10 April) after succumbing to ongoing health issues, his agent confirmed in a brief statement. 'Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3.03am as a result of a long and painful illness,' he told the South Florida newspaper, Diario Las Américas. Sánchez was born in San Antonio de las Vegas, Cuba in 1947. He travelled to America at 15 during Operation Pedro Pan, where parents sent 14,000 children from Fidel Castro's Cuba to Miami in the 1960s. In 1979, Sánchez founded the Hispanic theatre, Teatro Avante, in Florida and went on to appear in Hollywood films, including Invasion USA in 1985 and The Specialist in 1994. The actor appeared in five episodes of Miami Vice as a variety of minor characters, including a limousine driver. He also appeared in the 2006 Miami Vice film. Sánchez also featured in the Only Fools and Horses two-part Christmas Special 'Miami Twice', which aired in December 1991. Most recently, the actor appeared in the TV series Jammerz in 2022. Before that, he starred in the HBO remake of Father of the Bride. Tributes to the well respected actor were quickly shared online. 'May your soul unite with the source of light and love,' Miami Art Promotion wrote in a statement shared on its social media accounts. 'The outstanding actor and director of Cuban origin Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies in Miami. His tireless work in the Cuban exile theatre, since his early arrival in the United States, has earned him the valuable work of Teatro Avante, a group he founded, as well as the Miami International Hispanic Theatre Festival, with almost 40 years of experience,' the statement continued. "Peace to his remains and condolences to his loved ones and friends. It also serves as a well-deserved tribute to his extensive career.' In 2014, Sánchez was awarded the Legacy Award in Los Angeles for 'outstanding individuals whose lifelong commitment to Latino Theater in the United States and Latin America will have a lasting impact on the field'. In his acceptance speech, Sánchez said: '[It means] that we have done a lot but we have a lot more to do. That's all it means. I'm humbled by it but at the same time I'm very proud.' He added: 'But I always feel we haven't done enough. We still need to create more interest in the residents of Miami for theatre. That's what we are still lacking. 'Don't misunderstand me, I'm happy we are getting this award and it belongs to everybody who has helped Teatro Avante and the International Hispanic Theatre,' he continued. 'But I have to be honest. I think there is more to be done.' Sánchez concluded: 'Miami is my home. So, I stay and fight, fight for what I believe and what I believe is good for the city. So, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, I believe in theatre.' Actress Verónica Abruza said of his death: 'Sad news. Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sánchez. My condolences to his beloved children, family and friends. 'I will always remember how kind you were upon my arrival in Miami; your attention, your chivalry. May your soul unite with the source of light and love.'
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump protests draw thousands in South Florida. ‘Can't sit home any longer'
Fear and anger over President Donald Trump's first turbulent months in office drove thousands in South Florida to the streets on Saturday during a national day of protest against what organizers called 'the most brazen power grab in modern history.' Large crowds gathered in downtown Miami and in Hollywood, where protesters hoped to channel the angst they are feeling into a different kind of energy. 'I can't sit home any longer,' said Todd Katzman, 57, of Fort Lauderdale, as he looked across Young Circle at a crowd estimated by organizers at about 2,000. Many waved American flags and signs that said things like 'deport fascists not families' and 'resist.' Similar messages — 'Make America Think Again' and 'You know it's bad when other countries protest for OUR RIGHTS' — were displayed by around 1,000 people who gathered at the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami. Organizers led the group on a U-shaped march to Freedom Tower three blocks north then back to the torch, adjacent to Bayside, for more speeches. One marcher, Brice Ciener, carried an American flag that was totally blacked out. Explaining the message he was intending to convey, Ciener said, 'There have been four or five reasons throughout history, but one has been rebel or resist against the current movement of your government.' Ciener ran down a list of moves he opposed by the Trump administration over the last two and a half months: a massive imposition of tariffs that tanked the stock market as well; the roundup, treatment and housing of immigrants; and more. He also criticized inaction by Congress. 'They're the ones who supposedly control the purse,' he said. The Little Havana homeowner worries about his kids being rounded up by ICE at the school near their home and being held somewhere without he or his wife being able to get to them. 'I picked my kids up from school and there were a group of ICE agents banging on doors in an apartment complex,' Ciener said. 'No words. It's mind-boggling.' Kendall's Alicia Pelaez said she never thought she'd see what's happening in the United States, which she came to from Cuba at age 13 in Operation Pedro Pan. She empathizes in a very real way with immigrant children separated from their parents. 'I worked my whole life as a customs broker,' Pelaez said. 'I know these tariffs will kill many businesses. The prices will go up – it'll be incredible how much everybody will be paying for everything. Prime materials come from many places, not just the U.S. It will take a long time for what he says is going to happen. That's an impossible dream.' Kristen Kissoon of Miami Shores held a pink sign saying, 'This is why we teach history,' which a passing history teacher appreciated and photographed. 'I feel like we have the same thing we've seen in the past happening again,' Kissoon said. 'Like a dictatorship. It's a blind following. We're repeating history once again. We're getting rid of all the things to protect people of color, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press and we're getting rid of it all.' Saturday's 'Hands Off!' protests were among hundreds organized around the country by dozens of advocacy organizations, civil rights groups, labor unions and LGBTQ activists. The groups that put the demonstrations together said they were protesting Trump's plans for Social Security and Medicare, federal budget cuts and layoffs, deportations, his economic policies and efforts to roll back protections for transgender people, among other reasons. They were also protesting billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who has spearheaded Trump's efforts to quickly and drastically cut back federal agencies and spending. A number of protesters carried signs about the stock market tanking and the high tariffs Trump has promised to impose on goods coming in from around the globe. They said they were afraid of cuts to Social Security. One couple said they're thinking about leaving the country. The president, meanwhile, spent Saturday in Palm Beach County golfing, after flying into Miami on Thursday to speak at his Doral Golf Club ahead of the start of the LIV golf tournament. Trump won his second round matchup of the Senior Club Championship in Jupiter, and advances to the Championship Round tomorrow, according to a reporter embedded with the president. The White House has downplayed the protests., issuing a statement defended the administration's actions as essential to the country's financial future. 'President Trump's position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats' stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.' Overall, some 1,000 protests were planned Saturday around the country, with the largest expected to be in Washington D.C., where the administration, under the direction of the Musk-directed Department of Governmental Efficiency, has laid off thousands of federal workers. In just one recent cutback, the administration pulled the plug on a program that has helped tens of thousands of low-income Floridians keep the power and AC on, including during potentially dangerous extreme heat waves. In Hollywood, protesters gathered at Young Circle before marching down Hollywood Boulevard. Several in a crowd that skewed older told the Miami Herald that they hadn't been to a political protest in decades, if ever. 'The last time I did street protests I was in college,' said Susan Shechter, 70. Karen Breslow, 83, of Aventura, carried a sign that said 'I need to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent.' 'We are afraid,' she said. 'Afraid of this country becoming only for the wealthy.'
Miami Herald
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Trump protests draw thousands in South Florida. ‘Can't sit home any longer'
Fear and anger over President Donald Trump's first turbulent months in office drove thousands in South Florida to the streets on Saturday during a national day of protest against what organizers called 'the most brazen power grab in modern history.' Large crowds gathered in downtown Miami and in Hollywood, where protesters hoped to channel the angst they are feeling into a different kind of energy. 'I can't sit home any longer,' said Todd Katzman, 57, of Fort Lauderdale, as he looked across Young Circle at a crowd estimated by organizers at about 2,000. Many waved American flags and signs that said things like 'deport fascists not families' and 'resist.' Similar messages — 'Make America Think Again' and 'You know it's bad when other countries protest for OUR RIGHTS' — were displayed by some 500 people who gathered at the Torch of Friendship in downtown Miami. Organizers led the group on a U-shaped march to Freedom Tower three blocks north then back to the torch, adjacent to Bayside, for more speeches. One marcher, Brice Ciener, carried an American flag that was totally blacked out. Explaining the message he was intending to convey, Ciener said, 'There have been four or five reasons throughout history, but one has been rebel or resist against the current movement of your government.' Ciener ran down a list of moves he opposed by the Trump administration over the last two and a half months: a massive imposition of tariffs that tanked the stock market as well; the roundup, treatment and housing of immigrants; and more. He also criticized inaction by Congress. 'They're the ones who supposedly control the purse,' he said. The Little Havana homeowner worries about his kids being rounded up by ICE at the school near their home and being held somewhere without he or his wife being able to get to them. 'I picked my kids up from school and there were a group of ICE agents banging on doors in an apartment complex,' Ciener said. 'No words. It's mind-boggling.' Kendall's Alicia Pelaez said she never thought she'd see what's happening in the United States, which she came to from Cuba at age 13 in Operation Pedro Pan. She empathizes in a very real way with immigrant children separated from their parents. 'I worked my whole life as a customs broker,' Pelaez said. 'I know these tariffs will kill many businesses. The prices will go up – it'll be incredible how much everybody will be paying for everything. Prime materials come from many places, not just the U.S. It will take a long time for what he says is going to happen. That's an impossible dream.' Kristen Kisson of Miami Shores held a pink sign saying, 'This is why we teach history,' which a passing history teacher appreciated and photographed. 'I feel like we have the same thing we've seen in the past happening again,' Kisson said. 'Like a dictatorship. It's a blind following. We're repeating history once again. We're getting rid of all the things to protect people of color, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press and we're getting rid of it all.' Saturday's 'Hands Off!' protests were among hundreds organized around the country by dozens of advocacy organizations, civil rights groups, labor unions and LGBTQ activists. The groups that put the demonstrations together said they were protesting Trump's plans for Social Security and Medicare, federal budget cuts and layoffs, deportations, his economic policies and efforts to roll back protections for transgender people, among other reasons. They were also protesting billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who has spearheaded Trump's efforts to quickly and drastically cut back federal agencies and spending. A number of protesters carried signs about the stock market tanking and the high tariffs Trump has promised to impose on goods coming in from around the globe. They said they were afraid of cuts to Social Security. One couple said they're thinking about leaving the country. The president, meanwhile, spent Saturday in Palm Beach County golfing, after flying into Miami on Thursday to speak at his Doral Golf Club ahead of the start of the LIV golf tournament. Trump won his second round matchup of the Senior Club Championship in Jupiter, and advances to the Championship Round tomorrow, according to a reporter embedded with the president. The White House has downplayed the protests., issuing a statement defended the administration's actions as essential to the country's financial future. 'President Trump's position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats' stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.' Overall, some 1,000 protests were planned Saturday around the country, with the largest expected to be in Washington D.C., where the administration, under the direction of the Musk-directed Department of Governmental Efficiency, has laid off thousands of federal workers. In just one recent cutback, the administration pulled the plug on a program that has helped tens of thousands of low-income Floridians keep the power and AC on, including during potentially dangerous extreme heat waves. In Hollywood, protesters gathered at Young Circle before marching down Hollywood Boulevard. Several in a crowd that skewed older told the Miami Herald that they hadn't been to a political protest in decades, if ever. 'The last time I did street protests I was in college,' said Susan Shechter, 70. Karen Breslow, 83, of Aventura, carried a sign that said 'I need to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent.' 'We are afraid,' she said. 'Afraid of this country becoming only for the wealthy.'
