Manuel González Hernández, better known as Manolín, The Salsa Doctor, expressed in an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba that while he has never been a "Trump supporter," he would keep photos of Donald Trump and Marco Rubio on his bedside table for life if they fulfill their promise to free Cuba from its dictatorship.
The singer, who spent about five years in Cuba after two decades in exile, explained that his stance stems from a "radicalization" that took him three decades to reach. He admits that he transitioned from criticizing the regime, "always leaving an open door," to demanding its unconditional overthrow.
"It took me 30 years to reach this conclusion because it's very difficult to ask someone else to remove the dictatorship, but there is no other option," the artist declared.
Manolín emphasized that his support for the Trump Administration is pragmatic rather than ideological. "For the first time, a U.S. government is committed to this, and we must take advantage of it," he stated.
The singer acknowledged that Trump has mentioned helping Cuba after addressing Iran, though he admitted uncertainty about the timeline. Nonetheless, he perceives a genuine commitment and urged Cubans to contribute to the cause.
The Current State of Cuba
Manolín was emphatic about the situation on the Island: "The Cuban people are tied hand and foot, heavily armed, patrolled, policed, and they shoot at the people, beat them, and imprison them mercilessly."
He confessed finding it challenging to ask people from abroad to take risks. "I say it sincerely, in Cuba they kill you," he remarked.
The artist argued that the solution should involve external assistance, which he would accept "from anyone," even from Haiti. "You are the criminals, you are the traitors, and if we have to ask for help, we will accept it, why not," he directly challenged the regime.
Criticism of the Regime's Impact on the Cuban People
Manolín described it as a "crime" that the dictatorship has forced Cubans to "live on alms due to an obsession with power," listing what the regime has lost: "Empathy, humanity, common sense, shame, scruples. Everything is about power at any cost."
This is not the first time the singer has publicly criticized the regime. In April, he condemned Díaz-Canel's speech urging the people to prepare for a supposed U.S. military aggression, calling it "a disgrace" and stating that "in Cuba, they never call the people for anything good."
Despite the urgent tone, Manolín urged a calm contemplation of the day after. He called for building a post-dictatorship Cuba "without retribution and without revenge," where even former communists can join the democracy.
"It can't be the never-ending story, we have to make a difference," he insisted.
The singer concluded with a statement of faith in the Cuban people and the future of the Island: "Welcome the help from Trump, welcome the help from Marco Rubio, welcome the help. Hopefully, they can do it in the best possible way."
Understanding Manolín's Perspective on Cuba's Future
What caused Manolín's change in perspective regarding the Cuban regime?
Manolín's change in perspective arose from a "radicalization" process that took him three decades. He moved from criticizing the regime while keeping an open door to demanding its unconditional overthrow.
Why does Manolín support external intervention in Cuba?
Manolín believes that external intervention is necessary because the Cuban people are oppressed and lack the means to overthrow the regime themselves. He is open to help from any country, emphasizing the need for change.