Yotuel Draws Parallels Between Ferrer's Exile and Martí's: "History Repeats Itself"

Cuban musician Yotuel Romero recently took to social media to draw a comparison between the exile of opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and the historic banishment of Cuban Apostle José Martí in the 19th century, asserting that "history repeats itself."

"José Martí was exiled in 1871 for dreaming of a free Cuba. From the land of freedom, he orchestrated independence. Without an army, yet with his words, he united Cubans from New York and returned. Today, history repeats," Yotuel stated in a Facebook post, which featured a photo of Ferrer with "Patria y Vida" inscribed on his bare chest.

Yotuel emphasized that Ferrer "is exiled, but not defeated," and noted that now "in the land of freedom, where he can meet with other patriots like Marco Rubio," he will continue advocating for Cuba's cause. "When a Cuban steps on free soil, they don't just go into exile; they prepare to liberate," he concluded.

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) arrived in Miami on Monday with his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, and three of his children, having been directly transferred from Mar Verde prison to Santiago de Cuba airport amid heavy security, as reported by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).

Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás described Ferrer's arrival as "a special day" and wrote on Facebook, "We welcome José Daniel Ferrer and his family to the land of freedom. Thanks to God for his strength and heart, he arrived with health and emotion. But he leaves Cuba with his dignity intact and his head held high. One of Cuba's bravest men." Ugás also called for respect for Ferrer: "I hope every Cuban in our community offers him respect and treats him as a hero, our hero."

Singer La Diosa also extended a welcome with a direct message: "A hero, a hero who truly deserves respect, who has done so much for Cubans, has spent many years of his life in dungeons, which no one can take away." She added, "It will fall, Ferrer, it will fall, that will fall in due time," in a video on her social media.

Musician Willy Chirino labeled him "one of the true heroes of the fight for Cuba's freedom." "Eager to see you in person, give you a hug, and thank you for all you have done and will do for our people," he expressed.

From the Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA), activist Rosa María Payá described him as "a hero for all Cubans" and assured that "this exile will be short."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Ferrer's arrival with an official message, stating that Ferrer is "free from the regime's oppression" and demanding the release of over 700 political prisoners still detained in Cuba.

In his first message from exile, posted on Facebook, Ferrer wrote: "The struggle continues with renewed strength. We must unite and ensure our fight for freedom is highly effective. We must overthrow the infamous and criminal tyranny, we must save Cuba." He also expressed gratitude to those who facilitated his departure, including former President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, congress members, and Cuban exile activists.

During a press conference at the FNCA headquarters after his arrival in Miami, Ferrer reaffirmed his intention to return to Cuba: "My intention is not to wait 17 years like Martí, Maceo, or Crombet; it is to return as soon as possible to end the tyranny."

Support has also flowed in from political figures like Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, and artist Yunior García Aguilera, who condemned the exile and highlighted the symbolism of Ferrer's arrival as an act of resistance against the Cuban regime.

The opposition leader was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom, presented by exile organizations in recognition of his dedication to the fight against communism on the island.