Catholic priest Alberto Reyes has expressed deep admiration for Cuban university students who have boldly challenged the increased rates imposed by ETECSA, describing their protest as a commendable act of courage and dedication to justice. In a recent Facebook post, Reyes celebrates the call for a student strike, highlighting the students' organizational skills and, most importantly, their integrity in resisting manipulation or being bought off. "They fully grasp that their stance may lead to serious repercussions," he remarked.
The authorities have labeled these protests as "unacceptable," resorting to the worn-out official narrative of blaming an "external enemy." According to Reyes, this is just the beginning of a "familiar script": attempts at negotiation, threats, retaliations, false accusations, and eventually, the persecution of student leaders.
For the priest from Camagüey, the struggle against ETECSA's pricing has evolved into a deeper political issue: allowing the students to win this confrontation would signify acknowledging the true power of the Cuban people. The message concludes with a collective call to professors, parents, intellectuals, and the public at large not to abandon the youth. "Perhaps it's time to apply what we've been persistently taught, that 'the people, united, will never be defeated.'"
In his full message, Reyes delves into his thoughts:
"I've been reflecting on actions that inspire pride and hope. The stance of the university students against the shamelessness displayed through ETECSA (let's remember that ETECSA doesn't act independently) is truly admirable. Their public protest is commendable because they are aware that their position could have significant consequences. Their ability to rally together and the boldness to take concrete actions, such as calling for a student strike, is admirable. But even more commendable is their refusal to be bought, their focus on justice for the entire community, and the professors who stand firmly with them.
On the other hand, the official stance of the university is regrettable, labeling these actions as 'intolerable,' despite having praised the same behavior for 66 years when it opposed another dictatorship. The trite discourse claiming that this protest was orchestrated by the 'external enemy' is lamentable. Equally regrettable is the government's insistence on proceeding with measures that further strip this community of its rights, all while futilely justifying the 'necessary goodness' of their actions.
What lies ahead? Efforts to bribe have failed, as have attempts to discredit. Now, we will see the familiar script: first, the charming negotiators, the seemingly understanding figures with caveats. Then come the veiled threats, hints of consequences, and attempts to control through fear. If that fails, they will target the leaders, subject them to the State Security's manipulations, false accusations, and arbitrary arrests. Nothing new under this tropical sun.
The situation is incredibly complex: allowing the students to prevail in this standoff would mean recognizing the real power of the people. The core issue is no longer ETECSA's rates; it's about who will win this struggle.
What factors are at play?
Will our university students realize they can be the generation of change, and can we ensure they are not left alone?
Will their professors support them, understanding that this battle is also theirs?
Will their parents stand by them, willing to defend them fiercely, or will they be the first to urge them to flee, to hide, to lower their heads and follow the miserable but secure path of submission?
Will intellectuals support them, or will they avoid risking their accolades? Will they rekindle their own dreams in these young people, or abandon them, masking their cowardice by calling them 'foolish dreamers'?
Will this nation reciprocate the gesture and, grateful for those who stood up for everyone, lend them a shoulder and do whatever it takes to be on their side?
Perhaps it's time to apply the lesson we've been persistently taught, that 'the people, united, will never be defeated.'"
Key Questions about the Cuban Student Protests against ETECSA
What sparked the student protests against ETECSA?
The student protests were triggered by the increased rates imposed by ETECSA, which the students found unjust and a burden on the community.
How have the authorities responded to the protests?
The authorities have dismissed the protests as "unacceptable" and resorted to blaming an "external enemy" for orchestrating the dissent.
What are the potential consequences for the students involved?
Students are aware that their actions could result in serious repercussions, including threats, attempts at bribery, and possibly persecution by the government.