Havana Province, Cuba. – “They stood with their heads high, raising their fists and with an encouragement smile for their friends.” I read these words in the review that appeared last Wednesday in Granma daily. It reported on the process to change the sentences of Ramon Labañino and Fernando Gonzalez, two of our five brothers unjustly held in US prisons.

The attitude of those who suffer unjust prison sentences reminds me of Bernardo Guanche’s testimony. He is a Cuban diplomat who lives in the municipality of Bauta, Havana Province, and explained his experience in an activity held in the local museum. It was in support of The Five. Guanche was in those days part of the staff of Cuban Interests Section in Washington.

Guanche told us that once he visited Gerardo Hernandez. He was joking all the time and was in an excellent mood. When the time to part came, the diplomat found it hard to leave. This was more than just another assignment for him. Gerardo had been his classmate at the Institute of Foreign Affairs Studies, where they became very close friends.

The hero had to cheer him up with a very Cuban phrase. He invited him to leave the prison visiting room. “It was him who cheered me up” said Guanche, proud of his friend’s attitude.

Every day, since more than one decade ago, Gerardo, Antonio, Ramon, Fernando and Rene give lessons of encouragement to their friends. There are millions of them all over the world, as it happens with just causes. We pledge to keep supporting them until they are free and return to their Homeland.

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )