Lucrecia Believes Cuba Will Rise "Like a Phoenix" from the Ashes

In a candid interview this Wednesday, Cuban singer Lucrecia shared her unwavering belief that Cuba will rise again after enduring decades of dictatorship. This conversation took place on the same day the United States federal justice system announced charges against Raúl Castro.

"We are in the ashes right now in Cuba. But I have faith that Cuba will once again become the pearl of the Caribbean," stated Lucrecia, who has been living in Spain since 1993, during her discussion with journalist Tania Costa.

While painting a stark picture of the current state of the island, Lucrecia remained optimistic, saying, "I believe that after all of this, Cuba will rise like a phoenix and it will be wonderful."

The Resilient Spirit of Cubans Abroad

Lucrecia bases her optimism on the achievements of Cubans in exile, seeing it as a testament to what can be accomplished when people are free to pursue their dreams. "When we leave Cuba, we succeed thanks to our determination and perseverance. So, from within Cuba, it can be done even better because we will be in our homeland," she asserted.

The Role of Digital Platforms

Discussing the role of digital platforms in spreading news of Castro's indictment, Lucrecia emphasized their significance: "The important thing is that the news is out and the world is aware. Thanks to the immediacy of digital platforms, people know what is happening."

Looking Toward a Free Cuba

When asked if she would return to Cuba once it is free, Lucrecia responded with caution but also a deep affection for her fellow Cubans: "I’m here now, and we’ll see, but I want the best for all my Cubans, wherever they are."

The interview also touched upon whether Castro might seek asylum abroad, similar to former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who fled to Russia after losing power. Lucrecia replied without hesitation, "They should have taken that step long ago, but I suppose they are tied by so many comforts and everything they have had."

Historical Significance and Ongoing Justice

The conversation coincided with May 20th, the Day of the Republic of Cuba, the same day it was announced that a grand jury in the Southern District of Florida had charged Raúl Castro for the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft on February 24, 1996, in which four Cuban-Americans were killed.

Lucrecia understands the weight of this historical event personally, as she was banned in Cuba for composing the soundtrack of the documentary Balseros (2002), which depicted the Cuban raft crisis and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2003.

The charges against Castro, approved on April 23, 2026, include homicide, destruction of civilian aircraft, and conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens. Alongside the 94-year-old former dictator, five other Cuban military officials were indicted.

"He will have to face the consequences now, to be tried in the United States. I am sure it will happen. We must have faith," concluded Lucrecia.