Cuban Intellectual Supports Student Protest: "It's Time for Cuba"

Researcher, theater critic, and playwright Esther Suárez Durán has voiced her support for university students who recently criticized ETECSA for exacerbating social inequalities on the island. In a statement shared on social media, Suárez openly endorsed the youth's criticisms, attributing blame to the government for utilizing the state-run company to isolate citizens and perpetuate the exploitation of the Cuban people. "This is not a decision made by a company (ETECSA); it is a governmental decision... to continue exploiting our people," the intellectual declared.

Cuban university students have protested against the new ETECSA tariff measures, announced on May 30, facing pressure and intimidation from State Security and university authorities, as well as some professors. Their protests accuse the state-run company of "legitimizing social inequality," while they struggle to endure under dire conditions. "It's time for Cuba," Suárez wrote, concluding a lengthy statement in which she emphasized that ETECSA's actions are politically, not commercially, motivated—aimed at further isolating citizens and continuing the exploitation of the Cuban populace.

"Making us beggars is the best way to make us slaves," warned Suárez, who is also a radio and television scriptwriter, in a direct critique of the economically dependent model promoted by the government, where resource control limits freedoms. Suárez recalled the historical role of the Federation of University Students (FEU) and other youth movements that, in the past, succeeded in altering Cuba's historical path. "Whenever a sector united in its social and/or political struggle, the rest of society became formidable for the ruling government," she noted.

With a straightforward and uncompromising tone, the intellectual called on parents, friends, neighbors, and social organizations to support the student movement. "We have plenty of dignified and well-identified economists and social scientists in their proposals," she said, highlighting the existence of a legitimate civil society historically unrecognized by the state. She also mentioned the Cuban Filmmakers Assembly, led by renowned director Fernando Pérez, of which she is a member, as an example of this civic awakening.

"Away with fear. Away with parasites," she concluded, reaffirming her vision for an inclusive Cuba where collective good prevails: "a homeland for all and for the benefit of all." Amid growing social tension, Suárez Durán's gesture adds to those of other citizens who, from various fronts, are breaking the silence to defend the right to protest, free expression, and the future of young Cubans.