“We’re Not Afraid”: Voices From Cubans’ March to U.S. Embassy

Thousands of Cubans marched to the U.S. Embassy in Havana to denounce U.S. imperialism in the wake of the attack on Venezuela and the abduction of Nicolás Maduro.

People from all walks of life — military officers, retirees, workers, students — took to the streets to show they are willing to defend their country in the face of U.S. aggression.

The “March of the Fighting People” honored the 32 Cubans who were killed in Venezuela during the January 3 U.S. attack. It reaffirmed support for the Cuban revolution despite threats made by the Trump administration and the ongoing economic war the U.S. is waging on the island.

TRANSCRIPT

“Rubio, croquette, Cuba must be respected,” protesters shouted as the march advanced.
“Hey, Trumpet, Cuba must be respected,” voices echoed through the crowd.

“Right now the demonstration is passing in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana,” said Liz Oliva Fernández, journalist with Belly of the Beast. “The March of the Fighting People is a symbol of the Cuban people’s support for the Revolution,” she added.

“What did you come here to do today?” Oliva asked.

“We came to march for our fallen loved ones and to bring the youth with us,” said Marilyn Pérez, a Cuban military officer.

“We came to demand that Cuba remains free, that U.S. imperialism stays out of our affairs,” explained Leonel Vidal, a Cuban businessman.

“We Cubans have shown that we are not afraid, and the 32 who died in Venezuela proved it,” said Armando Angarica, a state employee.

“Despite their technological superiority?” the journalist followed up.

“We’re not afraid. We’re moving forward,” he replied.

“No one can mess with us, because we don’t accept threats,” declared Ida González, a retiree. “Cuba must be respected,” she added.

“Surviving imperialism in Cuba is an act of heroism, an act of resistance, and today the people are proving it,” said Aniet Venereo, a therapeutic clown.

“Down with imperialism,” the crowd chanted.
“Down.”
“Down with Donald Trump.”
“Down.”

“Who’s afraid here?” a voice shouted.
“No one.”
“Who’s backing down?”
“No one.”

“The Cuban people resist imperialism and injustice, and they’ve experienced firsthand that a better world is possible,” Venereo said later.

“Do you think what happened in Venezuela could also happen in Cuba? Are you afraid it might?” Oliva asked.

“The U.S. government has threatened Cuba for more than 60 years, but for a reason, it has never done it,” Vidal responded. “I don’t think they would dare. There is a very prepared people here, willing to give their lives,” he added.

“What did you come here to do?” the journalist asked another marcher.

“I came for this,” replied Agustina Jérez, a retiree. “They were only 32, and you were an entire empire. They were only 32, and you were an entire empire. You targeted them because you’re just a coward, but the flame that burns cannot be put out,” she declared.

“Down with imperialism,” the crowd chanted again.
“Down.”
“Homeland or death.”
“We shall prevail.”
“Whoever doesn’t jump is a Yankee.”

“What made you decide to bring your baby?” Oliva asked.

“Because these things are important,” explained Pérez. “So he knows why they gave their lives.”

“Do you think it’s possible for young Cubans to have a future in Cuba?” the journalist asked.

“Yes,” replied Jenifer López, a Cuban medical student. “For us, it’s possible to have a future in our own country. Above all, you have to defend it and stand with it. Because if it’s not us, then who will it be? If we don’t step forward and defend our country, who’s going to do it?”

“Do you still think it’s worth fighting for Cuba?” Oliva asked.

“It’s always worth it,” said González. “For Cuba and for the whole world, so everyone understands what the real cancer of humanity is: U.S. imperialism.”

“Without independence, there is no dignity, and without dignity, there is no life,” Pérez stated. “That’s something the Yankees can’t take from us.”

“Long live a free Cuba,” González concluded.