Cuban nun Sister Nadieska Almeida, well-known for her social work and spiritual dedication, recently took to social media to condemn the unauthorized use of her image in an official publication for propaganda purposes. In a Facebook post, she explained that this incident followed a government visit to the nursing home where she works alongside other nuns and collaborators, a visit deemed mandatory due to the state funding these facilities receive.
"During that visit, they asked for a photo, and I agreed. Days later, I was shocked to find out that, without my permission, the photo was posted online with the caption: 'Together for a revolutionary ideal,'" the nun expressed, outraged by the manipulation of her image without her consent.
In a lengthy and powerful message titled "When the Night Weighs," Sister Nadieska made it clear that she does not believe in the Cuban revolution, labeling it a "failure" and a "guillotine that slowly kills us year after year."
"I dedicate my life to one person: Jesus Christ. His vision fascinated me and gave meaning to my life nearly 33 years ago. I do not work for something I don't believe in. I see no value in the revolution," she stated.
Sister Nadieska criticized the implicit threats made by authorities against those who dissent, including the potential withdrawal of state support. She also harshly criticized the numerous issues plaguing Cuban society: hunger, power outages, lack of rights, repression of students, and inadequate basic services.
Challenges Facing Cuba
"How can they expect us to work together when they threaten to cut funding if someone disagrees?" she questioned.
Despite her critical tone, Sister Nadieska called for hope and faith, quoting the gospel: "I will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mt 28:20). She encouraged Cubans to speak out and trust in a different path, paving the way for real change.
"The night weighs heavily enough for us to have the mambí courage to finally tell them that the night won't last forever," she concluded, referencing a phrase by dissident Oswaldo Payá.
Sister Nadieska's Ongoing Critique
In previous statements, Sister Nadieska Almeida has publicly voiced her critical stance on the Cuban situation and the state's handling of social issues. In a message shared on social media, she declared, "Enough with pretending we all think the same! That is imposition," emphasizing her rejection of the ideological pressure from the authorities. She stressed that Cubans have the right to think differently, to reason, and to not merely repeat imposed slogans.
In another post, she once again addressed the country's reality, describing life in Cuba as plagued by endless blackouts, a shortage of medicines, degrading queues, and pitiful wages. She questioned the political use of the term "Revolution" as a justification for the people's suffering and called for a more humane and just approach.
Understanding Sister Nadieska's Stand Against the Cuban Regime
What prompted Sister Nadieska to speak out?
Sister Nadieska was prompted to speak out after her image was used without permission for government propaganda, which she felt manipulated her image and misrepresented her beliefs.
How does Sister Nadieska view the Cuban revolution?
Sister Nadieska views the Cuban revolution as a failure and believes it has been detrimental, describing it as a "guillotine that slowly kills" the nation.
What issues does Sister Nadieska highlight about Cuban society?
She highlights issues such as hunger, power outages, lack of rights, student repression, and poor basic services as major problems in Cuba.