Resolution 251-2021 RESOLUTION NO. 251 -2021
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,IN SUPPORT OF PEACEFUL PROTESTS
FOR DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTY IN CUBA;AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, a historic and remarkable gathering of protests is occurring in Cuba, where
everyday Cubans are protesting courageously in demanding democracy, liberty,economic security
and access to COVID-19 vaccinations;and
WHEREAS, these protests are occurring in a time of great civil discontent in Cuba,where
tremendous economic woes combine with a natural desire to be free; and
WHEREAS,at the center of these protests is the will of Cubans to be in charge of their own
destiny through democracy and free elections; and
WHEREAS, the systemic and continued repression of the Cuban people has resulted in a
nation where everyday Cubans are not in charge of their own destiny and future; and
WHEREAS,as long as free elections are not held in Cuba,the welfare of the Cuban people
will continue to be structurally burdened and protests will continue; and
WHEREAS,the Cuban regime continues to deprive the people of Cuba of peaceful means to
improve their lives and has resulted in everyday Cubans risking their lives and well-being to protest
openly to demand immediate change; and
WHEREAS, according to Amnesty International, the Cuban regime continues to "clamp
down on all forms of dissent,imprisoning political leaders,independent joumalists and artists";and
WHEREAS,Monroe County and the Florida Keys have a historical and present connection
to Cuba; and
WHEREAS,the Florida Keys have a unique and cultural connection to Cuba.Generations of
Cubans have made the journey, as immigrants and refugees, from Cuba to the Florida Keys for a
better life,and today the Florida Keys are home to many Cuban refugees who fled the Castro regime.
The contributions of Cuban refugees to the Florida Keys are immense, including civic,economic,
entrepreneurial, and cultural contributions; and
WHEREAS,that Florida Keys connection to Cuba continues with many Cuban-Americans
in Monroe County having active family connections to Cuba through remittances,correspondence to
and travel to Cuba to visit and support family.The ties that bind Monroe County and Cuba are many
and formed out of history and family; and
WHEREAS,many citizens of the Florida Keys have come out in strong support of the right
of Cubans to be free; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Keys are a community that prizes our best aspirational values of
liberty,tolerance and freedom.These are the ideas and values that Cubans march for today; and
WHEREAS,the people of Monroe County and the Florida Keys support the right of Cuba to
peacefully protest to secure basic civil liberties; and
WHEREAS,the people of Monroe County stand with the people of Cuba in support of their
quest for democracy, liberty and freedom.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,THAT:
Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida supports the
peaceful protests for democracy and liberty in Cuba.
Section 2. That County officers and staff are hereby authorized to do all things necessary
and proper in order to carry out and make effective the provisions of this resolution.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida,at a
regular meeting held on the 21 s'day of July, 2021.
Mayor Michelle Coldiron Yes
Mayor Pro Tern David Rice Yes
I Commissioner Craig Cates Yes
Commissioner Eddie Martinez Yes
w s� Commissioner Mike Forster Yes
A?TEST: 'l BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Kevin Madok, Clerk
By: 'w
! ^� 41 aA
As Deputy Clerk Michelle Coldiron
Mayor of Monroe County, Florida ---
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
Robert B. Shillinger c`a;;.RP'o'.':
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Robert B. Shillinger, Monroe County Attorney f e
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