[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE INSTITUTE FOR CUBAN AND CUBAN-AMERICAN STUDIES AT 
                        THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on October 10, 1868, the Cuban people 
expressed their desire to be free of oppression and their determination 
to convert this dream into a reality. This ``Grito de Yara'' was a 
battle cry heard throughout the world, yet it was the United States who 
joined forces with Cuban patriots in their struggle for independence.
  This served as the catalyst which would forever intertwine the 
histories of our two countries and would develop into an enduring 
friendship between our people, stemming from a unity of purpose and 
shared respect and admiration for our cultures.
  Later, the exodus of Cubans fleeing the tyrannical and brutal rule of 
the Castro dictatorship in search of liberty in the U.S., further 
reinforced these bonds and enriched the tapestry weaving our two 
nations together.
  The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University 
of Miami, inaugurating its permanent home on October 10th, the 
anniversary of ``Grito de Yara'', builds upon this relationship by 
offering courses on Cuban history and culture, producing publications, 
sponsoring conferences and seminars, and generating original research 
on specific topics.
  Its objectives are to preserve, teach, and disseminate the history 
and culture of Cuba; provide research and information about U.S. Cuban 
relations, contemporary Cuba, and about Cuban-Americans; increase 
awareness and appreciation of Cuba nationally and internationally; and 
to prepare for change in the island.
  In the two years since its creation, the Institute for Cuban and 
Cuban-American Studies has coordinated a myriad of concerts; film 
viewings; and museum exhibits. It has held such important seminars as: 
``Bay of Pigs' 40th Anniversary''; ``U.S. Policy Toward Cuba: 
Continuity and Change''; ``Cuba After Castro: Succession, Transition or 
Chaos''; and the ``Czech Republic and Human Rights in Cuba'' with His 
Excellency Alexandr Vondra, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the 
United States.
  The caliber of the work being conducted by the Institute prompted the 
Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy to choose the Institute 
as its Secretariat, and compelled the U.S. Congress to recommend that 
one of its seminal endeavors, the Cuba Transition Project, be funded by 
the Agency for International Development.
  The Cuba Transition Project exemplifies the forward-thinking approach 
and immense value of the Institute. The Project's mission is to help 
prepare for a transition to democracy in Cuba and for the 
reconstruction of the island once the post-Castro transition begins in 
earnest.
  Under the leadership of its Founding Director, Dr. Jaime Suchlicki, 
and of Dr. Andy Gomez, Dean of the School of International Studies, the 
Institute has earned high praise from leaders in government, business, 
academia and the arts.
  I would like to thank our University president, Dr. Donna Shalala, 
the Board of Trustees, and all the administrative leadership for their 
support of the Institute.
  Today, as the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies embarks 
upon a new chapter in its history and another year of groundbreaking 
research and memorable activities, I join my voice to those of so many 
supporters in congratulating the Institute.
  I look forward to the continued success of the Institute.

                          ____________________