Congratulations to Sylvia Iriondo and Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat on being recognized as “Heroes of Florida” for their tireless advocacy for democracy in Cuba and human rights.
DeSantis recognizes leaders of the Cuban Resistance as ‘Heroes of Florida’
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recognized two members of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance as “Heroes of Florida.”
In an annual ceremony held at the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, DeSantis named Sylvia Iriondo, president of Mothers Against Repression for Cuba (M.A.R), and Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, national secretary of the Cuban Democratic Directorate, as “Heroes of Florida,” according to a press release sent to CubaNet’s editorial team by the organization.
“It is a true honor for me to have been recognized by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis alongside distinguished Floridians who have made so many contributions to our great state of Florida,” expressed Sylvia Iriondo.
“I share this recognition with the women of M.A.R for Cuba, with whom I fight for the freedom of Cuba and to defend the democratic values of this great American nation; with Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat and the organizations and members of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance; with my Miami community where I have spent most of my life; with my family, who has been my greatest support, and with God, my faithful companion,” she concluded.
DeSantis and his wife, Florida’s First Lady, praised the two fighters who have been victims of harassment and repression by the Cuban regime. Sylvia Iriondo, in fact, is a survivor of the Brothers to the Rescue Massacre in 1996.
For his part, Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat stated: “I believe that this designation by the governor and the First Lady constitutes an important moral endorsement in the face of harassment by the dictatorship.” The leader left Cuba as a child with a family seeking freedom.
From exile, he has spent nearly two decades promoting Radio República, which broadcasts pro-American messages on the communist island, just 90 miles from Key West.
“Tonight was a privilege to personally recognize and thank each hero of Florida who attended for their selfless dedication to their communities and to our state,” said Governor DeSantis. “In Florida, we want to recognize and celebrate the virtues of selflessness and service, and these 75 individuals embodied those virtues through their actions and achievements.”