Emotions run high on idea of Cuban consulate in Miami Beach

Emotions run high on idea of Cuban consulate in Miami Beach

Most speakers, residents of Miami Beach and around Miami-Dade, opposed
consulate
Some said an embassy would benefit people who want to visit their
families in Cuba
BY JOEY FLECHAS
jflechas@miamiherald.com

Members of the community spoke passionately Monday night at Miami Beach
City Hall in reaction to the suggestion that Miami Beach could host a
Cuban consulate.

The city's citizen Hispanic Affairs Committee hosted a public discussion
on the topic, which has become a political lightning rod. A majority of
speakers, some from Miami Beach and many from around Miami-Dade, decried
the idea that a consulate could open in the seaside city. Not all
opposed. A smaller group of residents favored a consulate.

During a trip to Cuba in late March, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and
Commissioner Ricky Arriola met with the island nation's Foreign
Relations Ministry. The two Beach officials said they would welcome
Cuban diplomats in their city.

Julia Davila, a Cuban immigrant who has lived in Miami Beach for 47
years, said she came following political imprisonment. She said anyone
who has seen the suffering of political prisoners in Cuba would
adamantly oppose a consulate.

"Put it somewhere else," she said. "Put it out by Lake Okeechobee."

A few people who supported a consulate were met with boos and jeers.
Jose Miro, who came from Cuba 22 years ago, said he thinks a consulate
in Miami-Dade, not necessarily in Miami Beach, would help thousands of
Cubans who want to visit family.

"I respect the pain, and I respect all the opinions," he said. "But if
we have family in Cuba, we wouldn't have to travel far to resolve an
administrative problem."

Joey Flechas: 305-376-3602, @joeflech

Source: Emotions run high on idea of Cuban consulate in Miami Beach |
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