The closure of Radio and TV Martí, along with the termination of USAID funding aimed at supporting Cuban civil society, has sparked a wave of reactions among exiles, activists, and independent journalists. One of the most outspoken responses came from Cuban pastor and activist Ignacio Estrada, who took to Facebook to condemn the "complicit silence" of those who previously benefited from these initiatives but now choose to remain silent or even applaud the measures that ended these programs.
Estrada, in a post titled "The Silence That Rots Us: A Cry I Won't Silence," made a passionate appeal to the exile community, urging them to remember the crucial role played by institutions like USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and the Pan American Development Foundation (FUPAD) in supporting the Cuban dissidence. According to Estrada, these organizations not only provided funding but served as a backbone for many dissidents, journalists, and civil society leaders who were able to amplify their voices through Radio Martí.
"There are silences that stink. They reek of betrayal, double standards, and a selfishness that eats away at us," wrote Estrada. "They gave us cameras, microphones, training. They made us journalists, leaders, voices. But they weren't just resources: they were people. Heroes who defied the political police, who crossed watched streets to bring us help to our doors. I hugged them, cried on them. They risked their lives for us."
The disappearance of these programs has been met with outrage by various sectors of the Cuban exile community and independent press. For many, including opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, Radio Martí represented one of the few media outlets capable of delivering uncensored information to the island, countering the Cuban regime's narrative. On the other hand, USAID funded training and assistance projects for activists, strengthening civil society within Cuba.
Reports suggest that the closure of these programs is part of a new strategy by Donald Trump's administration, which has decided to cut funds to USAID and shut down Radio Martí, citing alleged issues of transparency and efficiency in the use of these resources. This decision has left numerous journalists and employees of these institutions jobless after years of service in fighting for press freedom and human rights in Cuba.
Pastor Estrada not only criticized the indifference of those who once benefited from these programs but also questioned the unwavering support some exiles have shown for Trump's decisions, despite the severe consequences these have had for activists on the island. "Think of the independent press without tools, of the activists left fighting with their nails, of the civil society bleeding out. They deserve what we had," he asserted.
The shutdown of Radio Martí has been particularly contentious, as the station was one of the few alternative sources of information for Cubans on the island, who rely on such media to learn about realities beyond state propaganda. Organizations like the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) have warned about the repercussions of this measure, stating it represents a blow to dissidence and free press.
Since its inception in 1985, Radio Martí became a key platform for giving voice to dissidents, activists, and independent journalists. Its closure leaves a difficult void to fill in the fight against censorship in Cuba. Now, with the elimination of USAID funding and the dismantling of other civil society support programs, an uncertain landscape looms for those who continue to resist on the island.
Estrada concluded his message with a call to action: "Raise your voice with me. Let our freedom not be a selfish privilege, but a bridge for those still bleeding under the boot. If we remain silent, we betray ourselves; if we act, we honor our debt of blood."
The controversy continues to grow as the Cuban exile community and political actors in Washington debate the future of support for Cuban civil society. Meanwhile, on the island, opponents face a new era of uncertainty without the resources and backing these institutions once provided.
The Impact of Radio Martí and USAID Cuts on Cuban Society
Why was Radio Martí important for Cubans on the island?
Radio Martí provided one of the few uncensored sources of information for Cubans, offering an alternative to the state's propaganda and supporting the voice of dissidents and activists.
What role did USAID play in supporting Cuban civil society?
USAID funded projects that trained and assisted activists, helping to strengthen civil society and support dissident voices against the Cuban regime.
How has the closure of Radio Martí affected independent journalists?
The closure has left many independent journalists without employment and has removed a vital platform that allowed them to report on the realities of life in Cuba.