In a thought-provoking message shared on Facebook, Cuban priest Alberto Reyes Pías invites a reevaluation of the decisions that have shaped Cuba over the past several decades. He emphasizes the importance of steering a nation's future with logical criteria rooted in reality, rather than being driven by ideologies, personal ambitions, or the desire to control others.
Reyes articulates that the history of a nation is constructed by choosing which elements should persist and which should be discarded. He proposes a fundamental guideline: "select what enhances the well-being of the people." He warns that if these choices are based on ideological interests or power aspirations, the results could be disastrous, as evidenced by Cuba's trajectory since 1959.
Continuity and Discontinuity in Cuban Society
The priest highlights several areas that have experienced "discontinuity" over the past six decades, such as the absence of multiparty systems, elections, freedom of the press, judicial independence, and basic rights including the right to strike, peaceful protest, and diverse options in education and healthcare. According to Reyes, these were supplanted by policies that restrict individual freedoms and maintain power structures grounded in ideological loyalty rather than actual managerial competence.
"Appointments and promotions have been based on loyalty to the 'Revolutionary Process' rather than on actual management ability," the priest remarked, criticizing the lack of meritocracy within the system. He also underscored the continuation of flawed economic policies and the absolute control over citizens' lives, factors that have undermined the Cuban people's welfare.
The Call for Radical Change
Reyes concludes his reflection by urging a radical shift in the policies that have dominated the island for so long, suggesting it is time to "continue what we once discontinued" and "discontinue what we have allowed to persist for too long."
He shared his complete thoughts in a post titled "I've Been Thinking...," where he delves into the concept of continuity and discontinuity in the history of peoples. He stresses that continuity and discontinuity require a guiding criterion, which should logically be what contributes to the betterment of the people's lives, as it is a criterion grounded in reality.
Reyes points out that failing to follow this logic risks making decisions based on ideology, personal preferences, whims, or the sheer passion for controlling others' lives. He asserts that none of these criteria can justify continuity since beautiful ideas or personal convictions do not guarantee improved lives.
Reflecting on the process initiated in 1959, he elaborates on how many elements sustaining society's health were discontinued, such as multiparty systems, free elections, independent media, and fundamental freedoms. Meanwhile, institutionalized lies, double standards, and empty promises have been perpetuated.
Ultimately, Reyes argues that life itself speaks volumes, and while we may choose to ignore it, reality remains unchanged. If the criterion for deciding what should stay or disappear is what benefits the people's lives, it becomes clear that a shift is necessary to restore what was lost and remove what has overstayed its welcome.
Understanding Cuba's Path Forward
What elements have been discontinued in Cuba since 1959?
Since 1959, Cuba has seen the discontinuation of multiparty systems, free elections, independent media, and basic rights such as the right to strike and peaceful protest.
What does Alberto Reyes suggest for Cuba's future?
Alberto Reyes suggests that Cuba should restore what was discontinued and eliminate what has persisted for too long, focusing on what enhances the people's well-being.
Why does Reyes criticize the current system in Cuba?
Reyes criticizes the current system for promoting individuals based on loyalty to the revolutionary process rather than competence, perpetuating flawed policies and restricting freedoms.