Opinion Editorial

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opinion Editorial, Panama Star
”An Opportunity for Cuba”

While much of the Western Hemisphere has been on a march toward democracy, embracing true freedom, true opportunity and true social justice, one country stands in stark contrast. One country has steadily marched in the opposite direction.

In Cuba, the hands of time have stood still while a cruel dictatorship has oppressed the people and prevented the progress that has brought hope to much of the region. While others seek to lift people out of poverty, Cuba spreads poverty and misery throughout the island.

The United States and its partners in the region have a vision for the hemisphere that gives people hope, opportunity and a chance at a brighter future. That vision is not shared by the Castro regime.

For 48 years, Castro has kept a tight rein on his people, destroying any sense of individual liberty and making them utterly dependent on his regime for their every need.

Through brutality and repression he has crushed dissident voices, drowned out calls for freedom and cut off communication with the outside world.

The United States has taken a firm stance on its policy toward Cuba. As long as a repressive dictatorship is in place, we will not do business with the island. We will not fund the regime’s systematic cruelty.

Yet all the while, the U.S. has supported the Cuban people. The United States is the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Cuba in the world, and we provide much of the food and medicine on the island. The U.S. attempts to break the regime’s communication blockade by bringing news and information to the Cuban people, and we actively work to support an independent civil society on the island, providing funding for education and exchanges.

A Renewed Commitment
This past week, President Bush announced new initiatives aimed at encouraging the international community to stand firm for freedom, while challenging the Castro regime to enact reforms to better the lives of the Cuban people.

1. Internet Access—The Internet defines modern communication and is a vital link for communities across the globe from the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro to the remote Ugandan plains. Until now, Cubans have been shut out. If the regime allows free and unfettered access, the United States stands ready to work with non-governmental organizations and faith-based groups to donate computers and Internet access.

2. Educational Exchange—We will invite Cuban young people whose families suffer oppression to participate in the Partnership for Latin American Youth scholarship program. If the regime will allow them to participate freely, this will enable the children of Cuba to take advantage of a broad range of educational opportunities.

3. Freedom Fund—We stand ready to work with the international community to create a Freedom Fund to aid in the transition to democracy. Once a new government in Cuba demonstrates a true commitment to democracy is in place, this fund will be implemented.

What Cuba Must Do
The Cuban government must fully adopt fundamental freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom to form political parties and the freedom to change the government through periodic, multi-party elections. And, Cuba must release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Then, and only then, will the U.S. work with the government to usher in a new era for Cuba.

And we will seek the help of those in the international community who have already made the transition to democracy like Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Chile. . . . Each of these countries had different experiences and different paths to democracy and has something to offer to Cuba as it defines its own path.

The future of Cuba is in the hands of the Cuban people in the island. To the people of Cuba, let it be known that the United States is your steady friend and ally and stands ready to aid your transition to democracy. You have the power and the opportunity to shape your destiny. Your children deserve a better future and only you can make that happen. Viva Cuba Libre!