MBI President Rudy Garcia Responds to NJ Legislators Joining “Engage Cuba” Movement

TRENTON, MARCH 27^th, 2019 – “As a first generation Cuban-American, former Assemblyman, and former Mayor of Union City, I am extremely disappointed to see my former colleagues and friends signing on and joining the movement to support American engagement with the current oppressive government in Cuba.   Earlier this week, a press release was issued detailing how many of New Jersey’s lawmakers and business leaders have decided to join the movement to launch the Engage Cuba New Jersey State Council.  This New Jersey chapter has a narrow focus which involves advocating for federal legislation that will lift the embargo on Cuba.  Personally, these decisions have offended me as they conflict with the foundation of values, of which, American democracy and human rights have been founded upon.

As a proud Cuban-American with much of my family still living in Cuba, I understand how the country’s government continues to exploit, demean, and violate the most basic human rights of its citizens to this day.  At a young age, my family and I fled Cuba seeking political and religious freedom to avoid persecution by its communist and abusive government.  The journey here to America wasn’t by any means easy but we made it here and I am grateful for all the opportunities that this great country has had to offer.

In the eyes of American tourists, Cuba may be a great travel destination, but it stops there.  In Cuba, civil liberties that we very much enjoy on a daily basis are infringed upon by its oppressive government.  Additionally, Cuba is still protecting Joanne Chesimard, a convicted murderer of a New Jersey State Trooper.

Today, I join fellow New Jersey Cuban-Americans, United States Senator Robert J. Menendez and United States Congressman Albio B. Sires, in condemning all actions and decisions by my fellow colleagues to establish a New Jersey chapter of Engage Cuba.  To do so, would mean to undermine all the core values of American democracy and would tarnish our international reputation as a champion and leader of human rights, democracy, and equality.

Most of the proponents of lifting the embargo between U.S-Cuba are only concerned about the economic aspect of the situation and may not be aware of all the social, political, and diplomatic ramifications.  To all my New Jersey colleagues, I strongly encourage you to reconsider your position on this issue and spend some time with first generation Cuban-Americans such as myself who have witnessed first-hand the abuse at the hands of the Communist-led regime

From an international perspective, this movement will only enable and empower authoritarian government regimes.  During this time, we must stand together in unity and not expense the rights of our fellow Cubans for a dollar amount.”

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