[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NINOSKA PEREZ CASTELLON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and 
accomplishments of a distinguished radio journalist, artist and 
community activist of South Florida, Ninoska Perez Castellon.
  Ninoska Perez Castellon is a prominent figure among the exiled Cuban 
community and deserves our upmost respect for always promoting 
democracy and freedom. Ninoska was born in Havana, Cuba. At the age of 
nine, her family was forced to flee from communist Cuba, leaving 
Ninoska to begin a new life in the United States. Ninoska's family 
began to transition to their new life by adapting to the American 
culture and language; nevertheless, their roots were never forgotten.
  Being raised and educated in Miami allowed her to be close to her 
family who ingrained values and morals into Ninoska that hold true 
today. Her mother, Mrs. Rogelia Castellon has not only been a loving 
mother but has also been a fountain of knowledge and wisdom for her 
daughter. Rogelia is an intellectual and indefatigable fighter for the 
liberty of Cuba. Despite the tribulations she has endured, Rogelia 
refuses to be discouraged.
  Learning perseverance from her mother, Ninoska completed her studies 
at Miami-Dade College and the University of Miami. At a very young age, 
Ninoska began her role as an active leader against the tyranny of 
Castro's communism. She has not only advocated for Cuba's liberty on 
American soil but her message has reached many hearts and ears around 
the world. Her voice has broken many barriers of an enslaved country 
living under the most prolonged and cruelest dictatorship in the 
continent.
  Ninoska and her husband, Roberto Martin Perez, tirelessly condemn 
each crime committed by the Castro regime. Roberto is an exemplary 
individual who experienced firsthand the horrors of Cuban prisons with 
courage and dignity for 28 long years.
  Ninoska's profound knowledge and expertise led her to testify before 
the U.S. Congress as an expert witness on Cuban issues. As a founder of 
various Cuban-American organizations, Ninoska has gained the respect of 
numerous exiled communities residing in South Florida.
  Ninoska symbolizes the American dream and is testament to what can be 
accomplished through hard work and dedication. For over 25 years, she 
has developed professionalism in her work as a journalist and is now 
one of the most recognized personalities in radio, television and print 
media. She currently produces and directs the program Ninoska Mambi on 
the emblematic Spanish radio station Radio Mambi. In addition to her 
continued journalistic success, Ninoska is also a talented artist. Her 
artwork portrays her undying love of Cuba and has been displayed in 
many galleries.
  As a lover of freedom and democracy, Ninoska defends the United 
States with the same dedication and passion as she does for Cuba. 
Ninoska, having immense passion, has never ceased to denounce the 
crimes and abuses of totalitarian regimes. Her ideas and knowledge will 
be everlasting in the books she has written.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my dear 
friend, Mrs. Perez Castellon for her morals and principles, her loyalty 
and love of Cuba, as well as her talent and dedication to our community 
of South Florida. My most sincere appreciation and admiration goes out 
to you, Ninoska Perez Castellon, you are a special person who has 
dedicated a life both, personally and professionally, fighting for 
democratic principles and the liberty of Cuba.

                          ____________________