Interview with deaf Cuban-American about protests

Alex (Daily Moth): Hello Haydee! Can you tell us about yourself and your background with Cuba?

Haydee Garcia: Hello Alex. Thank you for inviting me here. My name is Haydee Garcia. This is my sign name. I’m from Cuba, and I currently live in Chicago. I’ve been here for 21 years. I’m a U.S. citizen.

Alex (Daily Moth): I’m reaching out to you now because of the protests that have been going on. I’ve seen it on the news. I noticed that you did several vlogs on your page to explain this. You said the protests are a rare event. Can you explain briefly what Americans — or those who know nothing about Cuba — about what triggered the protests? What do we need to understand about that situation?

Haydee Garcia: Okay. Cuba is a Communist country. Maybe you understand what Communism is? Okay. It’s been that way for 62 years. Many people know who the former president was, Fidel Castro, who passed away. His brother, Raul Castro, took over. He’s now retired, and the person who took power is Díaz-Canel. This is his sign name. He’s the current president, and has been for about four years now. So, it’s been 62 years. Things started out all right with the economy and all. But the U.S. has put in a blockade, which means there can’t be trade anywhere. It’s been that way for a long time and it’s caused frustration. But we had good terms with Russia and it was fine until their communist system collapsed. It changed to Germany — I’m trying to keep this short. So, in Cuba, there is no media, there is no information coming in. It’s closed off. When I got out of the country, I was very surprised at what things were out there. Cuba didn’t know this because they’re closed off from information. Food rations have been limited. It’s under government control. There is a supplies booklet to keep track of rice given out, it depends on the size of the family and is given monthly. People are used to it, it’s been that way for 62 years. Cuba did not have internet access for a long time up to about three years ago.

So, those who fled Cuba, or brought in family members from Cuba, do still support (those on the island). I have family in Cuba who I support by sending money or to help pay for their phone or internet service. Those in Cuba who don’t have family members outside of the country truly do not have resources. They suffer more from starvation and are even more frustrated. Those who have family on the outside are better off.

There has been a lot of fear. Historically, anyone who protests is immediately arrested. There are many undercover officers who arrest people quickly. But on Sunday, when the protests happened, I was confused. People told me to look at the news. I was truly shocked. I couldn’t believe that there was actually a protest. I was thrilled to see it and gave them messages of support and solidarity. The protests took place from Havana all the way to another city about one hour away. People felt unafraid. They wanted a homeland and life. They decided it was time to speak out and demand changes. This is what they use to gesture (shows L handshape). This means “Libertad.” It means freedom. Time is up. So they wave this “L” handshape. They don’t have guns or knives. Their message was spread even more by Facebook. My friend said about 12 states participated in the protests, so it’s pretty widespread.

Police officers initially made some arrests, but this was when the protests were small. As the numbers increased, police officers had to fall back because it was out of control. They were overwhelmed. Later in the afternoon, the internet was cut off. So there was no communication. People couldn’t upload information.

Alex (Daily Moth): I wonder how this impacts deaf people in Cuba. There are deaf communities there so can you try to visualize it? Were some involved with the protest? Are they scared? Maybe some don’t understand? I’m curious about your perspective.

Haydee Garcia: I’m not sure. In the four days since the protests, I’ve had almost no communication. I finally got word from my friend yesterday. They were involved with the protests and they said it was intense because they had to use their eyes to look around. They didn’t know if they would be arrested, which is a possibility. They said they were trying to film things to inform those who lived outside of the country. I asked my friend if they would continue protesting, and they said yes. They said police did arrest some who marched because their faces were in images. Some of the protesters’ homes were raided and had their belongings seized. My friend said they are not afraid and would continue. I told them to be careful. My friend said because of their deafness, they couldn’t use their phones to communicate. Hearing people can use the phones to speak, but deaf people can’t because there’s no internet. Cuban people are angry at the Cuban phone company because they paid for the internet. It shouldn’t be cut off because the money came from the people, not the company. So it’s a controversy.

[Sponsored Video from Convo: https://www.convorelay.com/download]

Alex (Daily Moth): What are your main concerns for Cuba during this time and forward? Your main concerns?

Haydee Garcia: I have deep concerns, yes. If the protesters in Cuba fail, and Communism is still in place, things will become worse. There will be more violence. People will be kicked out of their jobs with the government. I’ve gone through that myself. I was kicked out and did not have a job for four years. That’s why I had to flee. So, what will happen to the people? I want them to keep on marching. Keep on protesting. Until there is a change, because it is time for freedom. I am concerned, yes. What will it look like? I don’t know.

Alex (Daily Moth): I really appreciate your time, Haydee. Thank you so much.