The Cuban priest Alberto Reyes Pías shared a reflection on his social media about the continuity and discontinuity in historical processes, urging a reevaluation of the decisions made in Cuba over the last few decades.
In a critical message on Facebook, Reyes emphasized the importance of guiding the future of a community with logical criteria based on reality, rather than ideologies, personal passions, or the mere desire to control the lives of others.
The publication notes that the history of a community is built by selecting which aspects should continue and which should disappear. To achieve this, it proposes a fundamental criterion: "to choose what contributes to the betterment of the community's life."
However, it warns that if these decisions are based on ideological interests or desires for power, the results can be disastrous, as has happened in Cuba since 1959.
In his analysis, the Cuban priest mentions various areas that have experienced "discontinuity" over these six decades, such as multipartyism, elections, freedom of the press, the autonomy of the judicial system, and fundamental rights like the right to strike, peaceful assembly, and a diversity of options in education and healthcare.
According to Reyes, all of this was replaced by policies that restrict individual freedoms and perpetuate power structures based on ideological loyalty rather than actual management capability.
"There has been a continuation of promotions and appointments based on loyalty to the 'Revolutionary Process' rather than on the actual management abilities of the individual," commented the priest, criticizing the lack of meritocracy in the system.
In addition, he emphasized the maintenance of failed economic policies and the absolute control over civic life, aspects that have undermined the well-being of the Cuban people.
Reyes concludes his reflection with a call for a radical change in the policies that have prevailed for so many years on the island, suggesting that it is time to "continue what we once discontinued" and "discontinue that which we have maintained for so long."
Next, CiberCuba shares the full text of the publication.:
I have been thinking... (107) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I have been thinking about continuity and discontinuity
The history of communities is a process in which the decision is made to continue some things while abandoning others.
Of course, continuity and discontinuity require a criterion to guide the choice of what should continue and what should disappear, and the logical criterion is to choose what contributes to improving the lives of the people, as it is a criterion that confronts reality.
Otherwise, we risk being guided by criteria that, instead of seeking confirmation in everyday and real life, look for it in ideology, personal taste, whim, or the simple passion for controlling the lives of others.
None of these recent criteria can support the claim of continuity, because the fact that my ideas are beautiful or that I am convinced they will work does not mean that they will actually lead to a better life. Similarly, my tastes and desires are not a guarantee of social well-being, let alone my whims or my belief that society can only progress if everything is controlled.
Since the process that began in 1959, many elements that supported the health of society have been discontinued in our homeland: multipartyism was abolished along with the right to healthy opposition; free elections that allow for a change of system according to the will of the people, the autonomy of mass media and, consequently, freedom of the press, radio, and television; the right to strike and to peaceful protest; and freedom of expression without punitive consequences. The variety of educational options was eliminated, as was private involvement in the healthcare system, private entrepreneurial initiatives, and the free market. The autonomy of the judicial system and the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers was also discontinued; the independence of university movements; and the role of trade unions as defenders of workers' rights...
On the contrary, promotions and appointments have continued based on loyalty to the 'revolutionary process' rather than the actual managerial capabilities of individuals; mechanisms that have dismantled civil society's power, failed economic policies, and the ironclad and absolute control of civic life have been maintained. The institutionalized lie, double standards, and empty promises have persisted.
And in the end, after all these years of continuities and discontinuities, life has spoken, because life always speaks. We may not want to listen, we may try to ignore it and insist that what it says is not true, but life is there, reality is as it is, and if the criterion for deciding what should continue or what should disappear is what contributes to the betterment of a people's life, it is not hard to understand that we need to continue what we once discontinued and discontinue what we have so long sustained".
Frequently Asked Questions about Alberto Reyes Pías's Critiques of the Cuban Regime
What does Alberto Reyes Pías criticize about the continuity of communism in Cuba?
Alberto Reyes Pías criticizes that the continuity of communism in Cuba is based on ideological control and power, rather than improving the lives of the people. He points out that since 1959, fundamental rights such as multiparty democracy and freedom of the press have been eliminated, and failed policies have been maintained that restrict individual liberties and social well-being.
What are the main areas of discontinuity in Cuba mentioned by Reyes?
Reyes mentions that in Cuba, areas such as multipartyism, free elections, freedom of the press, judicial autonomy, and rights such as the right to strike and peaceful assembly have been discontinued. These discontinuities have limited social development and individual freedoms in the country.
What does the priest propose to improve the situation in Cuba?
Reyes proposes a radical change in the policies that have prevailed in Cuba. He suggests "continuing what we once discontinued" and "discontinuing what we have maintained for so long," based on a criterion that prioritizes the well-being of the people over ideologies and power.
How does Reyes describe the current situation in Cuba?
Reyes compares the current situation in Cuba to a concentration camp, highlighting the lack of freedoms, political repression, and the precarious living conditions of the citizens. He emphasizes that the most terrible aspect is the absence of hope and the feeling of the system's immobility.
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