Cuban Priest Alberto Reyes: "Change Doesn't Come on Its Own, Nor Can It Be Left to Time"

Alberto Reyes, a Cuban priest from the Diocese of Camagüey, has made a heartfelt plea to his fellow countrymen to strive for a definitive change in the nation, emphasizing that such change won't come on its own or simply with the passage of time. Known for his openly critical stance against the regime, Reyes urged Cubans to do everything in their power to create an environment of civic honesty and prevent the impunity of those who deceive.

In a post shared on his Facebook profile, Reyes called on everyone, from parents educating their children to those within the judicial system, business owners, and military personnel, to do whatever it takes to defend the truth and fight for justice.

An Urgent Call for Reflection and Action

Here is the full text of his publication shared on CiberCuba:

"I've been thinking... (LXXXIV) by Alberto Reyes Pías

I've been thinking about the need to pause and reflect. I once had a professor who used to tell us, 'Before taking an exam, first stop, think, and then answer.' I believe this is wise advice, not just for exams, but for any response we need to give in life, because our responses build our lives.

Many within the island wish for a change in the political and social system in which we live, but that change partly depends on our responses, on what we do, and for that reason, we need to think before we act.

Think that if instead of hiding or masking the truth of what we live, we decide to be clear and speak openly, we will generate an environment of civic honesty, prevent the impunity of those who lie, and we will all be better off.

Think that if we do not give complicit responses, if we do not attend the revolutionary reaffirmation demonstrations, the combative marches, or all the meetings with predetermined answers, and instead decide to stay home, defying the threats from school or the workplace, we will be manifesting our will through silence, and we will all be better off.

Think that if we teach our children to express themselves truthfully about what they feel and to defend everything that is good, noble, and just, we will be creating generations capable of healing decades of duplicity and falsehood, and we will all be better off.

Think that if you belong to the judicial system and are capable of defending the innocent and not condemning those prosecuted for exercising their rights, you will be helping to heal the justice system and restore the rule of law that protects the common citizen, including yourself, and we will all be better off.

Think that if you own a private business and are doing well, and even at the risk of 'having problems' you stand by the poor who claim their rights and do not turn a blind eye to injustice and lies, you will be helping to build a society capable of protecting itself and you, and we will all be better off.

Think that if you belong to the military sphere and are capable of protecting the citizen who claims their rights and do not lend yourself to repress those asking for change and freedom, you will be faithful to your uniform, you will be part of the path to democracy, and we will all be better off.

Think that if you believe in Jesus Christ and want to be faithful to his Gospel, you cannot reduce your faith to prayer and charity, but also, from wherever you are, it is your duty to defend the truth and fight for justice, and thus we will all be better off.

Think that change does not come on its own, nor can it be left to simple time, but it happens when we help each other and build together our dream, the dream of a country of freedom, justice, truth, and prosperity that allows everyone to be better off."