Dr. Nelva Ismaray Ortega and opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer shared with journalist Juan Manuel Cao how their relationship blossomed amidst political persecution, hunger strikes, and community work. Their journey evolved from clinical consultations in Altamira (Santiago de Cuba) to exile, where they now express gratitude for the support they've received and call for freedom for political prisoners.
In an interview featured on Cao's YouTube channel, Nelva, initially a family doctor in Ferrer's neighborhood, approached with biases instilled by State Security. However, direct engagement with the opposition and humanitarian efforts shifted her perspective.
The couple recounts being shadowed, summoned, and subjected to "infiltration" tactics aimed at breaking them apart. Nelva ultimately resigned from public healthcare due to relentless harassment.
Now residing in the United States, they recount acts of solidarity they've encountered and rejoice in their son Daniel José living in a country with freedoms.
From Initial Meeting to Shared Mission
Nelva, newly assigned to the Altamira area as a general practitioner, was responsible for Ferrer's clinic, although he was abroad at the time, as she mentioned to Cao. She arrived with the usual "indoctrination" and official warnings about the opposition. Yet, interaction with the community and social work convinced her that these narratives were unfounded.
They recall engaging in intense debates about recent history and the figure of Fidel Castro. Over time, shared ethical views and work with vulnerable families brought them closer together.
Facing Reprisals and Building Resilience
To avoid reprisal, they maintained their relationship discreetly until State Security sought to "break them apart" and barred Nelva from work meetings. Authorities attempted to recruit Nelva, forbidding her from attending gatherings and warning her against emotional involvement with Ferrer.
Despite these pressures, the connection endured, leading to what they describe as a "total war" against Nelva, resulting in her departure from public healthcare. Outside the system, they organized community responses: using a Moskvich car as an ambulance when patients needed transport and purchasing medications in foreign currency pharmacies in front of patients to verify expenses. This practice reportedly provoked hostility from authorities.
During hunger strikes involving Ferrer and activists, Nelva claims she acted as a doctor out of professional duty. They recount official attempts to manipulate her role and sever her relationship with Ferrer through administrative pressure.
From Siege to Exile
In the United States, they speak of the emotional support received from strangers and the relief of seeing their son grow up with rights and freedoms.
Nevertheless, they remain focused on political prisoners and rebuilding support networks for those left behind on the island. The couple asserts that their story is both personal and political: a heartfelt commitment formed through healing the sick, dismantling prejudices, and resisting pressure.
In exile, they pledge to continue sharing their testimony and rallying support for those who cannot tell their own stories.
Understanding Nelva and José Daniel Ferrer's Journey
What challenges did Nelva and José Daniel Ferrer face in Cuba?
They faced political persecution, infiltration attempts to break their relationship, and Nelva experienced harassment that led her to resign from public healthcare.
How did their relationship evolve amidst political challenges?
Their shared ethical views and work with vulnerable families brought them closer, despite attempts by authorities to separate them.
What actions did they take after leaving Cuba?
In the United States, they have focused on rebuilding support networks for political prisoners and sharing their story to garner solidarity.