"I Have Always Seen Cuba Resist," Says Silvio Rodríguez

"I have always seen Cuba resist," declared singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez in an interview published Saturday in the Mexican newspaper La Jornada, where he also asserted that a significant portion of the Cuban people would be willing to defend the country's sovereignty by arms if necessary.

"I am very aware of the broad spectrum of problems we carry and of the new negative developments that arise, such as the energy blockade. But I have always seen Cuba resist," he said.

Rodríguez noted that brilliant economists — including some former government ministers — have "for years been recommending reforms that are either not undertaken or received reluctantly," adding that "lately, more decisive steps are being taken in that direction."

"And it is not because of pressure from the United States. It is that within Cuba itself, for years, there has been a struggle for more realistic approaches that will benefit our people. I support that, as long as our condition as a sovereign nation is not at stake — something I consider fundamental," he clarified.

Amid Washington's threats and the tightening of the blockade against the Caribbean nation, the renowned artist noted that certain U.S. politicians "have desired to take Cuba for about 200 years."

"There is a long history of reasons for Cubans to distrust 'the turbulent and brutal North,' as our apostle José Martí described it. For that reason, I suppose that a large part of our people would be willing to defend our sovereignty with arms, if necessary," he asserted.

Rodríguez recalled that in recent days, after reading what he described as threats from U.S. President Donald Trump "saying he was going to take Cuba," he posted a brief comment on his blog Segunda Cita — and was surprised by the near-immediate response from the island's armed forces. After writing, "I demand my AKM rifle if they launch an attack. And let it be known that I mean it very seriously," the author of "El Necio," "Canción del Elegido," and "La Era está pariendo un corazón" received a replica AKM rifle and another combat weapon in reply.

When asked about his role in these times, Rodríguez emphasized that, without belonging to any political party, he has taken a stand in favor of human betterment. "Now, with the increase of the blockade and the deterioration of the years, everything that is lacking becomes vital — especially in public health and education, services in which Cuba was once a model. So my role is to continue being a citizen, now a little older, who wants the best for his country," he said.

Regarding the so-called "Shield of the Americas" — a proposed alliance between Washington and right-wing Latin American governments — Rodríguez said it "appears to be an attempt to revitalize neocolonialism, to erase the founding principles of the United Nations, and perhaps a sign of imperial desperation."

On the subject of Mexico, the artist recalled his first performance there in 1975 and the relationships he has built over the decades. "As is well known, I am a friend of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his wife Beatriz. I believe Claudia Sheinbaum is the finest president in all of Latin America. For these and many other reasons, Mexico has become part of my soul," he declared.