This Time I Reached Pinar de Rio

This Time I Reached Pinar de Rio / Somos+, Eliecer Avila

Somos+, Eliecer Avila, 26 April 2016 — The last time I tried to meet
with several families in this province I was forcibly "deported" by
State Security agents, who told me I was "persona non grata" in the
territory. It is very likely that no citizens had heard of the action
taken against me, because today I noted the astonishment and indignation
of many upon learning those facts. "You are welcome here and
everywhere," I was told by the wonderful people who welcomed me this time.

Obviously, State Security and the Communist Party do not represent the
views of the vast majority of the Cuban people. I think they no longer
represent even those of their own members. So they try at all costs to
prevent the average Cuban from encountering the new proposals. This
repressive and fearful weapon can delay the process, but never stop it.

Those who think differently and want to work sincerely and responsibly
for the nation will always find a way to reach the people, because that
love, support, and popular respect energizes us to continue fighting for
a better future.

We have always been convinced that there are more of us, and that is now
becoming increasingly apparent. We are seeing a slow but steady loss of
fear. We are surprised by the number of people openly expressing their
views. Logic and reason are opening a path through the thorns of hatred
and unthinking force.

I congratulate the Center for Coexistence Studies for the work performed
during these 8 years of labor in the formation of civic consciousness
and human values.

We continue fertilizing the land with love and fresh, clean water, so
the most beautiful garden in the Caribbean will bloom again, for everyone.



Translated by Tomás A.

Source: This Time I Reached Pinar de Rio / Somos+, Eliecer Avila –
Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/this-time-i-reached-pinar-de-rio-somos-eliecer-avia/