Arturo O’Farrill, a composer, pianist and educator, has publicly voiced strong support for Cuba’s sovereignty amid what he describes as a decades-long economic blockade imposed by the United States. O’Farrill, founder of Belongó—formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance—is preparing for the opening of Casa Belongó, a cultural center in Harlem.
Economic Pressure and Allegations of Hardship
O’Farrill asserts that the current U.S. Administration is intensifying the economic pressure on Cuba, extending the blockade to include restrictions on oil supplies and imposing tariffs on nations providing aid. He claims this policy is causing widespread hardship, stating that “10 million Cubans” are being subjected to what he calls a form of starvation. He notes that the United Nations annually approves a resolution calling for the U.S. To conclude the embargo.
Disputed Security Concerns
O’Farrill refutes the stated rationale for the embargo—that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. Security—calling it a “lie.” He states that Cuba possesses no weapons of mass destruction, harbors no foreign terrorists, does not engage in illegal narcotics trafficking, or maintain biological weapons. He further contends that Cuba respects U.S. Culture, citing its internationally recognized jazz festival and the contributions of Cuban players to Major League Baseball.
Cultural and Social Indicators
According to O’Farrill, Cuba’s institutions consistently produce accomplished artists, musicians, dancers, and writers. He contrasts Cuba’s social indicators with those of the United States, noting that Cuba has a longer life expectancy, a lower infant mortality rate, and a higher literacy rate.
Political Motivations and Domestic Influence
O’Farrill attributes the hostility toward Cuba to its rejection of “predatory capitalism.” He argues that Cuba’s socialist government, led by the Communist Party, is not susceptible to the corruption he alleges is prevalent in U.S. Politics. He claims that Cuban leaders are not personally enriched by public service and that its legislative body is free from the influence of lobbying groups. He suggests that political influence from Cuban expatriates in Florida is driving the current U.S. Policy.
O’Farrill describes the current situation as driven by “greed, avarice, and more avarice,” and asserts that the economic pressure is causing suffering for ordinary Cubans, including shortages of food and medicine. He recalls a period of improved relations between the U.S. And Cuba following the 2014 announcement of normalization under Presidents Raúl Castro and Barack Obama, describing a time of economic opportunity and restored dignity for the Cuban people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casa Belongó?
Casa Belongó is a cultural center in Harlem founded by Arturo O’Farrill and Belongó (formerly the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance). It is intended to be a hub for community engagement and the preservation of music from the Americas.
What is Arturo O’Farrill’s main argument regarding U.S. Policy toward Cuba?
Arturo O’Farrill argues that the U.S. Economic blockade of Cuba is a cruel and unnecessary policy driven by greed and political motivations, causing significant hardship for the Cuban people.
According to O’Farrill, what does Cuba *not* possess that the U.S. Claims it does?
According to O’Farrill, Cuba does not possess weapons of mass destruction, harbor foreign terrorists, traffic illegal narcotics, or possess biological weapons.
Given the complexities of international relations and the human cost of economic policies, what role should cultural exchange and diplomacy play in fostering understanding between nations?
