The Cuban priest Alberto Reyes, a vocal critic of the regime, asserted that social change in Cuba must originate from the people and will not spontaneously emerge from those who govern. He argued that the daily life of the ruling class is so different from that of the ordinary people that it is impossible for them to empathize with the suffering of the populace.
Father Reyes, from the Diocese of Camagüey, shared a post on his Facebook wall this Friday, condemning the government's increasing detachment and disinterest in the needs of the people. He called on the populace, feeling increasingly suffocated and powerless, to break free from the "spirit of slavery" that dominates them.
Reyes emphasizes that those in power believe they are entitled to their positions and consider themselves an untouchable elite. He criticizes that if any of them deign to approach the common people, they are received like gods, praised, and applauded.
Complete Text by Alberto Reyes Pías
CiberCuba shares the full text of his publication below:
"I've been thinking… (LXXII) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I've been thinking about why social change must come from the people.
I appreciate solutions, problem-solving, and overcoming challenges, but I understand that this is not always easy.
How do we address the disconnect between the government and the people? A government increasingly disinterested and detached from the needs of the people, and a populace feeling more suffocated and defenseless? How do we break the spirit of slavery that makes us clench our fists in anger at home while treating those who rob us of our lives daily with smiles and compliant lies?
I'm not always able to generate solutions, but there's something that is always possible: to help people think, to help ensure we have clear ideas. And one idea we need to be clear on is that change in this island won't come spontaneously from those who govern us today.
It can't come from them because their daily life is different from ours, making it impossible for them to empathize with our sufferings.
When electricity is never lacking, when heat isn't suffered, when the children's milk doesn't spoil, and the nights aren't a hell of heat and mosquitoes… they don't think about those who spend night after night without rest and face the new day exhausted.
When food isn't an issue, when money is never lacking, when medical care is guaranteed, and moving from one place to another isn't stressful… they learn to see that life as 'normal,' and the poor, the needy, the 'common people' become abstract concepts, faceless beings.
When they have grown up with the mentality that power is due to them, deeply ingrained in their neurons that they belong to a different class, an untouchable elite… 'the masses,' 'the people,' become words for empty speeches and an intolerable threat if they seek change.
When they have grown up without God, when the Bible is an unknown book, and Christ is nothing but an incomprehensible and annoying superstition; when God isn't part of the life equation and isn't seen as the Father who makes us look at others as brothers… then power dehumanizes, and the soul becomes insensitive to the cries of the poor.
Moreover, when any of them deigns to approach the people living in the real world, and they are received like gods, praised, applauded, adored… it doesn't matter if it's out of fear, strategy, or indoctrination; when they are paraded through fireworks and no one dares to tell them that 'the king is naked,' the message of submission and slavery couldn't be clearer or more comforting.
I don't know how we can bring about change, but it won't come spontaneously from those who govern us because, for them, change isn't necessary or practical; for them, the people are only an excuse for their perfect lives; for them, we don't matter."
Key Insights on Social Change in Cuba
Explore these frequently asked questions to gain a deeper understanding of Alberto Reyes's perspective on social change in Cuba.
Why does Alberto Reyes believe social change must come from the people?
Reyes believes social change must come from the people because the ruling class is too detached from the daily struggles and suffering of ordinary Cubans. Their vastly different lifestyles make it impossible for them to empathize and initiate meaningful change.
What criticisms does Alberto Reyes have about the Cuban government?
Reyes criticizes the Cuban government for being increasingly disinterested and detached from the needs of the people. He highlights the government's sense of entitlement to power and its failure to empathize with the populace's suffering.