Four boats, led by Osdany Veloz, traveled from Miami to just outside of Cuba to express solidarity in the islanders’ fight for freedom.
What We Know:
- The group left from Bayside Marina on Friday morning, only stopping in Key West to refuel and check in with the United States Coast Guard. Despite expecting a turnout of more than one hundred boats, Veloz took his tiny group and stayed committed to his mission.
- The Coast Guard spoke very closely to the flotilla’s organizers when planning. Officials warned them of $25,000 fines and five years prison time if anyone crossed into Cuban waters. However, the boats stayed on international waters, stopping just 15 miles away from the island.
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- When they arrived at the destination, boaters shot off flares and fireworks to show support for the Cuban protests. Participants recalled their emotions to Miami’s WSVN station. One person said the experience “gave us chills,” and another stated it was the closest they ever got to Cuba.
“They’re going to see us. They’re going to see us, and they’re going to see that we’re there for them,” said Veloz exclaimed.
- Although Cubans did see the flotilla, the government made it a priority to slander the boaters’ intentions. Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez deemed the flotilla illegal. He also asked the U.S. government to stop them “to avoid incidents which are not in anyone’s best interest.” In addition, police blocked off Havana’s famous Malecon to prohibit Cubans from seeing the demonstration. If citizens were caught doing so, citizens were fined.
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- The group returned on Saturday night to Miami, proud of their endeavors. They thanked the Coast Guard for helping make the trip possible and also hoped the flotilla gave Cubans motivation to continue fighting the oppressive government.
- Organizer Jose Portieles told The Associated Press another motive for the flotilla was to inspire the United States government to do more. Since protests erupted in Cuba two weeks ago, President Joe Biden remained lax on the situation.
After demonstrations across the U.S. and pressure from politicians, Biden declared he would sanction Cuba’s military leader Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Black Wasps for human rights violations.
