[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF DR. LUIS FERNANDEZ-CAUBI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
to remember a great friend, outstanding lawyer, loving father, and a 
true patriot, Dr. Luis Fernandez-Caubi, who was born in Sagua la 
Grande, the son of a schoolteacher and a businessman. He was a lawyer 
and an ardent defender of human rights and those accused of anti-Castro 
activities by the Communist Government of Cuba.
  After immigrating to the United States, his adoptive country, he 
continued the fight against Castro's tyranny, a fight that led him to 
the United Nations in 1988 and which continued in Spain, France, and 
other countries until his demise.
  Dr. Fernandez-Caubi studied law at the University of Havana and began 
his law practice in 1948. He was admitted to the Florida bar after his 
completion of studies at the University of Florida and continued his 
practice until his death.
  Dr. Fernandez-Caubi was a renowned author, winning journalism awards 
for his political commentary and books which included ``Justicia y 
Terror'', an indictment of the judicial system under communism and 
``Apuntes Sobre La Nacionalidad Cubana''. He also hosted programs for 
radio and TV stations, including Radio Marti.
  In the legal arena, his firm led a coalition of law firms in 
representing the elderly in the precedent setting Meek versus Martinez 
lawsuit to entitle the elderly in south Florida to receive their 
proportionate share of benefits from the government; his firm also 
advocated for human rights in the United Nations, which eventually led 
to the condemnation of Cuba for its human rights abuses. He represented 
numerous indigents, including the Mariel Cubans at the Terre Haute 
penitentiary, and won three Pro Bono Publico Service Awards. He 
participated in local politics and received the City of Miami Citizen 
of the Year Award in 1992, and the Sagua La Grande Favorite Son 
Distinction, among many honors.
  Dr. Fernandez-Caubi was the father of 5 children and had 10 
grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He lived a full and 
rewarding life, and his legacy will live in the hearts of all who had 
the opportunity to be associated with him.

                          ____________________