[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           TRIBUTE TO WQBA-AM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great 
respect that I rise today in recognition of WQBA-AM, a landmark radio 
station in Miami, FL, for its upcoming 40th anniversary.
  Since its inception on May 31, 1966, WQBA has been a pillar of 
Miami's airwaves for politics and local issues. It provides members of 
the community the opportunity to hear from newsmakers and public 
officials. WQBA is also the official Spanish station of the Florida 
Marlins and the Miami Heat. It has been known as Radio Continental, 
Radio Cuba, La Cubanisima and La Voz de Miami.
  WQBA has always strived to provide accurate information while also 
reflecting the diversity of its audience and South Florida. It is home 
to numerous prestigious journalists, including the only Spanish-
language sports commentator belonging to the National Baseball Hall of 
Fame. Considered one of Miami's historic stations, WQBA has witnessed 
and broadcasted significant historical moments during its 40 years. In 
1992 when Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida, WQBA was an essential 
source for news as it was the only Spanish radio station that withstood 
the storm.
  Loyal to Hispanic traditions, WQBA began the annual Reyes Magos 
Parade 36 years ago and it is now co-sponsored by three sister stations 
and considered one of the five most important Hispanic cultural events 
in the country.
  WQBA is one of the true voices of Miami and has always been active in 
its commitment to promoting education and the arts throughout the 
years. The station's trademark jingle ``Yo soy de Cuba la voz,'' (``I 
am Cuba's voice'') is played daily at the Celia Cruz exhibit at the 
Smithsonian Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, as we recognize WQBA's long legacy and the excellent 
service it has provided Miami during the past four decades, I ask that 
you join me in expressing our appreciation for its first 40 years and 
best wishes for its next.

                          ____________________