Rally in support of ‘freedom in Cuba’ held at Miami City Hall

“The stronger we stand together, the louder our voices are. To quote Martin Luther King, an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This is not just an issue about Cuba. This is a global issue.” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

MIAMI — A small but vocal group of protesters concerned about the future of Cuba descended Thursday on Miami City Hall.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez met with some members of the group and said, “What we are asking for is for the president of the United States to come down here to Miami and explain in detail what the United States can do to help the Cuban people in detail, what can be done and what can not be done.”

“The stronger we stand together,” he said, “the louder our voices are. To quote Martin Luther King, an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This is not just an issue about Cuba. This is a global issue.”

Mr. Suarez said he has been in touch with the White House but has not heard back. He said he believes the White House is formulating a policy in light of the recent developments.

Mr. Suarez also told the demonstrators, “Do not block highways.” One demonstrator said he disagreed, to which Mr. Suarez responded, “Don’t do it.”

About 40 demonstrators showed up at City Hall and stayed there for two hours outside and did not budge despite the rainfall that came on Thursday afternoon.

Many have loved ones still in Cuba.

Claudia Valdes, whose grandparents live in Cuba, said, “I am concerned about life. People there are dying. We need freedom of speech.”

Dayron Perez said, “They are in the streets without water and without food. They are fighting just to be free.”

Zaharis Fernandez said her mother and grandmother are still in Cuba.

“We need help,” she said. “There have been 62 years of promises. People are on the streets without food and water. We need help. SOS Cubans.”

Ms. Fernandez also complained about a concert being held in Little Havana on Wednesday night where hundreds of protesters gathered.

“Yesterday on Eighth Street, you guys made a carnival and I don’t understand that because people in Cuba are dying,” she said.

Protester Alejandro Gonzalez said the mayor needs to tell the president that the Cuban people need help.

“I’m an American citizen with family in Cuba,” Mr. Gonzalez said. “The Cuban people need freedom. They are fighting the police with sticks and stones.”