An exchange with Mr. José Luis Ponce, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, Nassau, Bahamas
On Tuesday this week I received an e-mail invitation from the Cuban Embassy to attend a movie, like many people here received, and the following e-mail exchange took place between your not so humble blogger and the Cuban Ambassador to The Bahamas.
I hope you can take the time to read it through to the end. I made a couple minor changes to the presentation so it reads a little easier here, but have not changed the text.
I guess my hopes of returning to Cuba are now done.
The initial e-mail reads:
On May 6, 2008, at 5:15 PM, EmbaCuba Bahamas wrote:
The Association of Cuban Residents in The Bahamas ” Ismaelillo” and the Embassy of Cuba to The Bahamas have the pleasure to invite you to the projection of the Cuban film “Benny” who will be shown on Thursday 8 of May at 20:00 hours in RND Plaza (JFK Movie Plaza). The price of the entrance will be of 2 BSD.
The film is dedicated to one of the most important figures of Cuban music of all times, Bartholomew Maximiliano Moré (Benny), born in the Province of Cienfuegos and known as “The Formidable of the Rhythm”. It counts with the performances of outstanding Cuban actors like Renny Arozarena (Benny), Isabel Santos and Enrique Molina among others.
The activity will constitute a tribute to the Cuban culture in regards to the Anniversary 113 of the death of Jose Martí, Cuban National Hero, author of the widest literary work of the history of Cuba and a man convinced that:” To be cult it is the only way to be free”.
Embassy of Cuba to The Bahamas
My response follows:
From: "Richard (Rick) Lowe"
Date: May 6, 2008 9:26:16 PM EDT
To: EmbaCuba Bahamas
Subject: Re: INVITATION FROM CUBAN EMBASSY
Regrets.
Richard (Rick) Lowe
The Cuban Ambassador's further response follows:
On May 7, 2008, at 11:52 AM, José Luis Ponce wrote:
It is a pity you can not go. Benny was one of the greatest musical phenomenons in the Caribbean at that time. You could talk something positive about my country, for a change.
Sincerely,
José Luis Ponce
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
My further response follows:
De: Richard (Rick) Lowe
Enviado el: miércoles, 07 de mayo de 2008 12:03
Para: José Luis Ponce
Asunto: Re: A PITY
Having visited your country, there is much to speak positive about, but it certainly is not the government.
Changes are coming though.
Who knows what the future will bring without the Castro's.
Maybe even you will be able to speak your mind.
Hopefully it will be in my lifetime.
Unlike the dictator from Chile who left a reasonable economic model, the dictator from Cuba has left a mess for many years to come on the wonderful Cuban people.
Thank you for thinking of me however.
Richard (Rick) Lowe
The Cuban Ambassador's further response follows:
On May 7, 2008, at 12:06 PM, José Luis Ponce wrote:
The problem with you is that you always have your foot in your mouth. Is difficult to reason with you.
Have a nice day.
My further response follows:
De: Richard (Rick) Lowe
Enviado el: miércoles, 07 de mayo de 2008 12:11
Para: José Luis Ponce
Asunto: Re: A PITY
Thanks.
Unfortunately I believe in Liberty and you can't say that. At least publicly.
We are both entitled to our views in this country however.
What happens to people that espouse my view in your country?
Rick.
The Cuban Ambassador's final response follows:
On May 7, 2008, at 12:19 PM, José Luis Ponce wrote:
You remind me of a news I saw in ABC years ago. They were interviewing a person in the Central Park of Havana with a big professional camera, and they were emphasizing the fact that there was no liberty for people to talk to the press. Nobody bother to stop and listening to them, though. That news showed the stupidity behind it all. Some people fall for their own propaganda and have a Cuba that only exist in their minds or their wishes.
My final response follows:
From: "Richard (Rick) Lowe"
Date: May 7, 2008 12:28:26 PM EDT
To: José Luis Ponce
Subject: A PITY
Having visited your country I know some of the issues on the ground faced by your people, so please spare me your propaganda.
Propaganda exists every where and I prefer to believe in Liberty...not subservience to the master Fidel, Bush or Ingraham.
If you have no alternative do not take your anger out on me. Help your people gain the opportunity to experience the freedom Castro allows you to have.
