I was born in the Pearl of the Antilles around the middle of the century, but I am not able to return to my homeland under the present circumstances. The description was reportedly coined by a European artist whose 1873 book of illustrations bears the title "The Pearl of the Antilles."
Even though probably the most famous one, it is just one of many praising names given to my Caribbean island: Being the largest in the region, it offers the most natural resources and is considered to be the most beautiful. Also, it's a geographical position made it the best location to launch expeditions to Spain.
I took my first breath of fresh air in Havana, Cuba, and moved to NYC, USA. I am blessed by the opportunities afforded to me by this great nation as an immigrant and that I was able to excel after failing as often as I did, while always being encouraged to try again. I am very proud of the children and grandkids who have grown up with good values and principles and will continue to tell the story of their parents and grandparents. I'm also very proud to be the son of Margarita y Antonio Soto.
Havana, by far the leading cultural center of the Caribbean, offering a wide variety of features that range from museums, palaces, public squares, avenues, churches, fortresses including the largest fortified complex in the Americas dating from the 16th through 18th centuries, ballet and from art and music festivals to exhibitions of technology. The restoration of Old Havana offered a number of new attractions, including a museum to house relics of the Cuban revolution. The government placed special emphasis on cultural activities, many of which are free or involve only a minimal charge.
I am not alone and I know there are others who feel the same and for various reasons, but I can only speak for myself. Regardless of which language you speak, here is some popular music that may provide a clue https://youtu.be/tsdPqw-ZJxw https://youtu.be/BQ0mxQXmLsk
As the years pile up I am increasingly proud to have served this great nation at a time in which it was called upon me to do so as a federal government USIA administrator for Republican President George HW Bush.
On this date In 1961, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba after Fidel Castro announced he was a communist. In 1962, Cuban leader Fidel Castro was excommunicated by Pope John XXIII.
A Cuban diplomat just wrote me the following text: Let's hope this year brings sanity back to the White House. Happy 2021.
