Res No 085-21-15705RESOLUTION NO. 085-21-15705
A Resolution of the Mayor and Commission for the City of South Miami, Florida, urging
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and the Biden administration to condemn the Cuban
government's handling of the protests, and support the Cuban people in their struggle
for freedom and basic needs by various avenues, including by maintaining and
strengthening economic sanctions, by publicly denouncing the Cuban dictatorship for
its violence against the Cuban people, by recognizing the pro -democracy movement's
efforts on behalf of democracy, by using all available technology to allow the free flow
of information in and out of Cuba, by diplomatic intervention, and by coordinating an
international effort for humanitarian aid and support toward a democratic transition.
WHEREAS, for over 60 years, the Cuban people have suffered under a Communist
dictatorship that has systematically denied the Cuban people their most basic human rights and
fundamental freedoms; and
WHEREAS, the Cuban Communist regime continues to try and repress communications
and pleas for help from the Cuban people, with The Associated Press reporting that authorities
have blocked social media sites in an apparent effort to stop the flow of information into, out of,
and within Cuba; and
WHEREAS, the Cuban Communist regime is also stifling freedom of expression by
violently attacking, arresting, and imprisoning peaceful protestors and critics of the government;
and
WHEREAS, the Cuban Communist regime is brutally beating and arresting the Cuban
people for demanding basic freedoms and human needs; and
WHEREAS, despite serious risks to personal health and safety, the Cuban people have
mobilized on an unprecedented scale to protest the Cuban Communist regime in cities across
Cuba; and
WHEREAS, the widespread protests are not only sounding the alarm regarding the dire
situation affecting the Cuban people, but also calling —on a scale never seen before —for freedom
and for an end to the oppressive Communist regime that has tyrannized the Cuban people for
more than half a century; and
WHEREAS, these protests present a historic opportunity to create change in the
governance of the Cuban people, as Cubans demand freedom and shout for "Patric y Vida" —
homeland and life —a chant that turns a well-known Cuban Communist slogan; and
and
WHEREAS, the Cuban people are also experiencing severe food shortages and hunger;
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Res. No. 085-21-1 5705
WHEREAS, the global health pandemic caused by COVID19 has starkly laid bare the
failures of the Cuban Communist regime; and
WHEREAS, a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Cuba has led to the collapse of medical
systems as already -scarce resources are stretched to the brink; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Miami has consistently condemned Cuba and its dictatorial
regime for any denial of human rights protections and freedom of expression; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Miami wholeheartedly supports all efforts to bring about
democratic reform in Cuba, and stands in solidarity with the Cuban people; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Miami urges President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and the Biden
Administration to support the Cuban people as they struggle for and demand freedom and basic
needs,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals set forth in this resolution are true and they are supported by
competent substantial evidence and they are incorporated into this resolution by reference as if
set forth in full herein.
Section 2. The Mayor and City Commission hereby urge President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and
his administration to condemn the Cuban government's handling of the protests, and support
the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom and basic needs, including food, and access to
life-saving healthcare inclusive of vaccines for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), by various
avenues, including, but not limited to, by maintaining and strengthening economic sanctions, by
publicly denouncing the Cuban dictatorship for its violence against the Cuban people, by
recognizing the pro -democracy movement's efforts on behalf of democracy, by using all available
technology to allow the free flow of information in and out of Cuba, by diplomatic intervention,
and by coordinating an international effort for humanitarian aid and support toward a
democratic transition.
Section 3. The City Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the President
of the United States, to the Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, and to the
Secretary of the United States Department of State.
Section 4. The City's federal lobbyists are instructed to advocate for the action set forth
in Section 2 above and authorizes and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to amend
the 2021 Federal Legislative Package to include this item.
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Res. No. 085-21-15705
Section S. Corrections. Conforming language or technical scrivener -type corrections
may be made by the City Attorney for any conforming amendments to be incorporated into the
final resolution for signature.
Section 6. Severability. If any section clause, sentence, or phrase of this resolution is for
any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the holding will
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this resolution.
Section 7. Effective Date. This resolution will become effective immediately upon
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20thday of July 2021.
ATTEST: APPROV D:
CITY CL RK MAYOR
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM,
COMMISSION VOTE:
5-0
Mayor Philips:
Yea
Commissioner Harris:
Yea
Commissioner Corey:
Yea
Commissioner Liebman:
Yea
Commissioner Gil:
Yea
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Agenda Item No:Cb.
City Commission Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: July 20, 2021
Submitted by: Nkenga Payne
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Item Type: Resolution
Agenda Section:
Subject:
A Resolution of the Mayor and Commission for the City of South Miami, Florida, urging President Joseph R.
Biden, Jr. and the Biden administration to condemn the Cuban government's handling of the protests, and
support the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom and basic needs by various avenues, including by
maintaining and strengthening economic sanctions, by publicly denouncing the Cuban dictatorship for its
violence against the Cuban people, by recognizing the pro -democracy movement's efforts on behalf of
democracy, by using all available technology to allow the free flow of information in and out of Cuba, by
diplomatic intervention, and by coordinating an international effort for humanitarian aid and support toward a
democratic transition. 3/5 (Commissioner Corey & Commissioner Gil)
Suggested Action:
Attachments:
Reso_supporti ng_Cuban_PeopleCArev.docx