Pedro Roig, a prominent lawyer, historian, and Bay of Pigs veteran, passed away in Miami on Tuesday night at the age of 85 due to cardiopulmonary complications.
The news of his passing was confirmed by family sources to journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla from Café Fuerte, who referred to Roig as "a fighter" and penned a heartfelt tribute in his memory.
Born on July 24, 1940, in Santiago de Cuba, Roig attended the renowned Dolores School and was actively involved in anti-Batista activities, prompting his parents to send him to exile in the United States.
After Fidel Castro's victory, Roig briefly returned to Cuba, but upon realizing the communist trajectory of the revolution, he left again to join the 2506 Brigade in the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961.
Out of the original 2,680 members of that brigade, only about 200 remain today. Earlier this year, the Cuban exile community inaugurated a new Brigade 2506 museum in Little Havana, a $5 million project.
Following the failed operation, Roig established a distinguished academic and professional career. He earned a master's degree from the University of Miami and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Thomas University.
Career and Contributions
Roig was among the first members of the Cuban American National Foundation, where he developed a close friendship with its founder, Jorge Mas Canosa, as both hailed from Santiago de Cuba.
In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed him to lead the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, overseeing Radio and TV Martí, a role he held until 2008. In September 2010, he was honored with the Broadcasting Board of Governors' Excellence Award for his leadership in that mission. He was succeeded by Cuban-American lawyer Carlos García-Pérez.
In 2011, Roig joined the University of Miami's Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies as a scholar and researcher.
In his later years, Roig was part of the law firm Hirzel Dreyfuss & Dempsey in Coral Gables, where he represented Cuban-American publicist Ana Margarita Martínez in her defamation lawsuit against Netflix following the release of the film "Wasp Network" in 2020.
Legacy and Impact
Among his notable works are "The Death of a Dream," a critical historical account of Cuba, and "The Cuban War of Independence: 1895-1898."
Cancio Isla, who shared a radio opinion program with Roig on Radio Martí for several years, summarized his legacy: "He was a prominent lawyer, educator, author of numerous historical books, and a steadfast advocate for promoting human rights and democratic freedoms in his homeland."
"In this painful moment of his departure, I can only offer gratitude and wish him light and peace on his eternal journey. My condolences to the family. Thank you, Pedro, for your contribution and integrity," wrote the journalist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedro Roig
What was Pedro Roig's role in the Bay of Pigs invasion?
Pedro Roig was part of the 2506 Brigade that participated in the Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961, an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime.
What contributions did Pedro Roig make to Cuban broadcasting?
Pedro Roig served as the director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, overseeing Radio and TV Martí from 2003 to 2008, where he was recognized for his leadership in promoting Cuban freedom through media.
What are some of Pedro Roig's notable works?
Pedro Roig authored several significant works, including "The Death of a Dream," which critically examines Cuban history, and "The Cuban War of Independence: 1895-1898."