The commitment of Cuban intellectuals and artists to the defense of national sovereignty against threats from the United States government was made clear today with their signatures in the popular movement "My Signature for the Homeland," which is currently taking place across the country.

In a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), Martha Bonet de la Cruz, president of the cultural institution, appealed to the ethical and moral responsibility of revolutionary art. She stated that art must defend, in the face of the current onslaught, the independence and core principles of the national project chosen by Cubans.

She also highlighted the power of dialogue and culture to sustain life and civilization on the planet, in opposition to the barbarism and the logic of force that North American imperialism seeks to impose on the world through its constant aggressions. Bonet de la Cruz stressed that the artists of the largest island in the Antilles, faithful to their humanist and revolutionary convictions, do not seek confrontation but are prepared to face any scenario and prevail.

"In the 65 years of UNEAC, the artistic vanguard—an indissoluble part of a people in Revolution—stands in defense of the ideals of independence and justice, adding their signatures alongside those of millions of compatriots to reaffirm that culture will continue to be the nation's sword and shield," she asserted.

Israel Rojas Fiel, leader of the group Buena Fe, told the Cuban News Agency that this is a time to be on the "right side of history" alongside Cuba, and that "remaining neutral today is playing into the hands of those who block and pressure the island."

"I respect everyone's right to have their own position, but mine is this: to be on the side of what seems right to me, which is saying no to war, but if it comes, to face it head-on," he added.

In her statements, Maestro Digna Guerra Ramírez, director of the National Choir, described her presence at this transcendental moment as an act of commitment to the Revolution and to Cuba, to this "wonderful people who always push forward and will not allow themselves to be attacked." She emphasized, "Here is a super combative and seasoned people who will not hesitate to step forward together to defend the Homeland and our Revolution."

Furthermore, she referred to the core value of culture as the bastion of the country. From their respective roles, she noted, each artist's work is a weapon the archipelago possesses against anyone who comes to attack: "Culture is invincible, and with that, we can face whatever comes," she reflected.

Marcos David Fernández, known as "Kikiri de Cisneros," said he could not separate the stance of the child who grew up with the roots of repentismo (improvised folk singing) from that of the young man formed by what he saw from his parents. In an emotional tone, he emphasized defending both equally: the country and the guajira roots that stem from so many years of the archipelago's history.

"I don't want anyone to come and destroy the places of my first parrandas, to destroy the threshold of the street in Cisneros where my father taught me to improvise: that is the reason for Kikiri as a young Cuban and as a child and youth who grew up loving this country," he stressed.

As a Cuban, he confessed to having friends of different creeds and thoughts. While he understands that others do not have to think the same or may exercise their free will differently, he insisted that those who call for the bombing of the land where one grew up cannot be tolerated. "No one should defend that," he concluded.