The Cuban singer La Diosa dedicated some words to José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), after his arrival in the United States following his exile by the Cuban regime from the Mar Verde prison.
"I am happy because today Daniel Ferrer arrived in the United States, to whom I want to extend a warm welcome, a hero, a hero who truly deserves respect, who has done so much for the Cuban people, who has spent many years of his life in dungeons, and that is something no one can take away from him," expressed the artist, whose real name is Dianelys Alfonso Cartaya, in a video posted on her social media.
The Goddess wished for her to rediscover life: “I only wish for you to live now, to live in freedom, to enjoy your life, for the years that God allows you to live, but to truly live, live, you must live in the best way possible.”
He also spoke about the lack of popular support that, in his view, the opponent faced: “I feel that the Cuban people did not respond to you, and yet you remained steadfast, with your convictions, your concepts, and your ideals. That's why I have respect for you.”
"I know that you might feel a sadness that you couldn't witness that dictatorship fall, at least with your own hands, but it will fall, Ferrer, it will fall, it will come down in its time, at the moment when Cubans understand how it is done," he stated.
"I only ask God that before you close your eyes, you can see her from this side, with your family, with your children. But live, this time think a little about yourself," he added.
The singer concluded her message with a direct political statement: "Down with the dictatorship every day in this world, down with the communists, down with all of them, but you, Ferrer, up."
This Monday, Ferrer was transferred directly from prison to the Santiago de Cuba airport, where he boarded a flight to the United States. He arrived in Miami accompanied by his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, and three of his children, as he stated during a press conference at the headquarters of the Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA).
In that meeting with the press, Ferrer spoke of his joy at being with his family, but he also expressed his sadness for those who remain imprisoned in Cuba.
The message from La Diosa adds to other public expressions of support following Ferrer's arrival in exile.
The musician Willy Chirino welcomed him with these words: “Welcome to Miami, José Daniel Ferrer. One of the true heroes in the fight for Cuba's freedom. I can't wait to see you in person, give you a hug, and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our people.”
The boxer Yordenis Ugás wrote on social media: “Today, we Cubans who live in freedom had a special day. We welcomed José Daniel Ferrer and his family in lands of freedom (...) He left Cuba with his dignity intact and his head held high.” Ugás also noted: “He gave his life for a people that did not support him” and called for him to be treated as a hero.
From Cuba, the opposition figure Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, emphasized: “Brother José Daniel, you did everything for the people of Cuba, and you nearly lost your life. That family needs you. You are now in a free country, a land of opportunities.” Her words circulated on social media shortly after Ferrer's arrival in Miami.
During the conference at the FNCA, Rosa María Payá described him as “a hero for all Cubans” and stated, “It will be a short exile, I assure you of that.”
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also celebrated his arrival. In an official statement, he stated that Ferrer is “free from the oppression of the regime” and called for the release of more than 700 political prisoners who are still incarcerated in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Exile to the United States
Why was José Daniel Ferrer exiled to the United States?
José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), decided to accept exile to protect his family from the threats and systematic abuses they faced. His departure was part of a political negotiation, although the process was marked by uncertainty. Ferrer has reiterated his commitment to continue fighting for the freedom of Cuba from exile.
How has José Daniel Ferrer been received in the United States?
José Daniel Ferrer has been welcomed in the United States as a hero of the fight for Cuba's freedom. Upon his arrival in Miami, he was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom in recognition of his resistance against communism in Cuba. Various figures from the exile community, activists, and political representatives have expressed their support and solidarity, reaffirming that his voice will not be silenced.
What has been La Diosa's role in relation to José Daniel Ferrer?
The Cuban singer La Diosa has expressed her support and admiration for José Daniel Ferrer following his exile to the United States. On her social media, La Diosa described him as a “hero who deserves respect” and wished him the ability to enjoy freedom and life in this new chapter. She also criticized the lack of popular support that Ferrer faced in his struggle against the Cuban regime.
What challenges does José Daniel Ferrer face after his exile?
José Daniel Ferrer faces the challenge of balancing his family life with his political activism from exile. While he is happy to be with his family in freedom, he feels sorrow for those who remain imprisoned in Cuba. Ferrer has expressed his intention to continue the fight for Cuba's freedom, now more vigorously from abroad, and has called for unity among Cubans both on and off the island to end the dictatorship.
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