In 1959, the Cuban Revolution, repurposed the Moncada barracks in Santiago de Cuba, where Castro made a name for himself and Marist Christian School were some of the many buildings that went from community centers to fortresses for the Castro regime. it is estimated that 69 facilities were transformed into military barracks.
One personal experience occurred in our household e for my dad determined that it was better to leave behind all our family fortunes after my late older brother and Cuban teen activist Tony, whose birthday I noted with my other older brother my eldest brother was later known as the “Cuban Bullet” had been detained by Castro's henchmen at a Havana police station accused of things such as pre-criminal activity, having had the gonads to speak up and denounce Fidel and upsetting the public order for his negative comments towards the communist government policies.
Fidelistas make sure the Marist Brothers Catholic School continues as a reminder of this totalitarian Cuban State Security headquarters known as Villa Marista, a mythical place that numerous opponents of the Castro government have described over decades as a place of physical and psychological torture.
The transformation of spaces like the Moncada barracks and Marista School into symbols of the Castro regime's power and control is a poignant part of Cuban history.
It's understandable that personal experiences, like my parent's decision to leave behind family fortunes due to the dangers faced by activists like many, including my late brother Tony, would shape my perspective on the regime's actions.
The persistence of institutions like the Marist Brothers Catholic School, now repurposed as Villa Marista highlights the complex layers of Cuban history and the enduring impact of political decisions on society. The reports of physical and psychological torture in such facilities are deeply troubling and represent a dark chapter in Cuban politics.
This Associated Press article, highlighting the increasing religious diversity in Cuba, signals a shift in the country's cultural and social landscape. This evolution suggests a loosening of the rigid atheistic stance that characterized the early years of the Cuban Revolution.
In the context of these changes, advocating for the release of political prisoners of conscience held in places like Villa Marista becomes even more pertinent. Transitioning from a regime known for repression to one that embraces diversity and freedom of expression requires addressing past injustices and ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
While the path to reconciliation and justice in Cuba may be complex, efforts to shine a light on the plight of political prisoners and push for their release are crucial steps toward building a more inclusive and democratic society.
The Associated Press claims Cuba’s Revolution is evolving. Afro-Cuban drums, Muslim prayers, Buddhist mantras: Religious diversity blooms in once-atheist Cuba. https://apnews.com/article/cuba-religion-diversity-communist-catholic-s…
So what about freeing the Villa Marist’s political prisoners of conscience? The Cuban government shouldn’t be allowed to whitewash their atrocities—free political prisoners who are known as The Maristas.