Diego Suárez, a prominent Cuban exile and businessman nearing his centennial birthday in November, disclosed in an interview with CiberCuba the existence of a transition plan for Cuba. This plan, already outlined by exile leaders in collaboration with the U.S. government, is set to unfold with or without the regime's consent.
Suárez, who co-founded the Cuban American National Foundation with Jorge Mas Canosa and has funded anti-regime efforts for decades, firmly rejected any scenario where members of the Castro regime would lead the transition process. "We will not accept those who destroyed our nation to be the ones to help rebuild it," he declared unequivocally.
The Vision for Cuba's Transition
When questioned about a possible Venezuelan-style transition with regime figures in charge, Suárez dismissed the comparison. However, he acknowledged that a pre-arranged program might exist to prevent bloodshed. "The plan being laid out, already designed by our people and in conjunction with the Americans, is for a transition. If they want it to be peaceful, it can be. But if not, the transition will still happen," he asserted.
Suárez neither confirmed nor denied direct talks with President Donald Trump or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, choosing instead to hint at potential developments. "Things will happen," he predicted, alluding to more stringent sanctions possibly involving a halt to remittances to Cuba.
Collaboration with Emerging Leaders
The businessman elaborated that the exile community is currently working "very closely" with undisclosed leaders, employing strategies learned from Jorge Mas Canosa. "We didn't have to announce our plans and then act on them," he explained.
These revelations come shortly after Trump threatened to deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier off Cuban shores and signed new sanctions against the regime—actions met with both anticipation and skepticism by Cubans, and responded to with irony and defiance by the regime.
Economic Reconstruction and Unity
On economic reconstruction, Suárez envisioned a cooperative effort between the diaspora's capitalists and the island's entrepreneurs. "Cuban capitalists from the diaspora are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the island's capitalists to build a new republic," he announced. He also revealed plans to establish credit institutions to provide capital access for resource-poor Cubans eager to start businesses.
During the same interview, Suárez unequivocally dismissed the notion of dividing Cuba among the exile community. "Cuba is a homeland, belonging to all. Island Cubans will become as prosperous as those in exile, and exiled Cubans will return to their homeland to share their prosperity," he stated.
Suárez concluded the interview by reaffirming his commitment to truth as a guiding principle. "We must provide the Cuban people with the truth, not lies or false hopes. That's why I speak with historical truths. Though I will turn 100 in November, I am well—not young, but healthy—and I am here to continue fighting for the homeland," he declared.
Key Aspects of Cuba's Transition Plan
What is the nature of the transition plan for Cuba mentioned by Diego Suárez?
The transition plan for Cuba, as disclosed by Diego Suárez, is a strategy developed by Cuban exile leaders in coordination with the U.S. government. It aims to facilitate a transition in Cuba with or without the regime's cooperation, possibly involving peaceful means if the regime agrees.
How does Suárez view the role of the Castro regime in Cuba's future?
Diego Suárez firmly opposes the involvement of the Castro regime in leading Cuba's transition, stating that those who destroyed the nation should not be the ones to rebuild it. He insists on a new leadership emerging from the diaspora and the island itself.
What economic vision does Suárez have for Cuba post-transition?
Suárez envisions a collaborative economic reconstruction where Cuban diaspora capitalists work alongside island entrepreneurs. He highlights plans to create financial institutions that provide capital to aspiring entrepreneurs on the island.