DeSantis urges Biden to bring internet access to Cuba so demonstrators can 'speak to the world'

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis implored the Biden administration  to "assist in providing Internet access to the people of Cuba" and to stand up against communist oppression. He asked them to "demand a voice" for the people of Cuba after decades of suffering under the yoke of a cruel dictatorship. Florida has a large Cuban-American population.

"As you know, the Cuban people are taking to the streets to protest the Communist regime, and the Cuban government has responded with violence," DeSantis wrote. "At first, the world could see the images and videos of this mass movement, but now the tyrannical regime of President Miguel Díaz-Canel has shut off access to the Internet."

"The Cuban people have lost their ability to communicate with one another," DeSantis told Biden, "and many Floridians born in Cuba have no information on the safety of their loved ones. Equally as important, the world has also lost the ability to see what is happening on the ground as the Cuban people rise in support of freedom."

"Technology exists to provide Internet access into Cuba remotely, using the innovation of American enterprise and the diverse industries here. Similar to the American efforts to broadcast radio into the Soviet Union during the Cold War in Europe, the federal government has a history of supporting the dissemination of information into Cuba for the Cuban people through Radio & Television Marti, located in Miami. In additional to sending information, however, our efforts must include creating a means for the Cuban people to speak to the world," DeSantis wrote.

"I urge you to act immediately to provide all necessary authorizations, indemnifications, and funding to American businesses with the capability to provide Internet access for the people of Cuba. Steps must be taken immediately."

"Internet access for the Cuban people is of critical importance as they stand up against the repressive Communist government. In the hands of these brave individuals, such access may be the key to finally bringing democracy to the island."

As Cubans fight for their freedom, despite the Biden administration's continued statements that lack of vaccine access is much of the reason Cubans have taken to their streets, the tide may be turning on BLM. Mainstream media has tried to blame Trump and Trump era policies for the unrest in Cuba.