“We need a change so that the youth can rebuild what is left of this country”

CAMAGÜEY, Cuba. – The writer from Camagüey Pedro Armando Junco has experienced censorship and repression in Cuba due to his opposition to the regime. Despite this, he has continued to work and dedicate himself to his passion for writing. At more than 70 years old, Junco continues to work and do the work that he has loved since his youth.

—Could you tell us a little about your life experience, your beginnings as a writer for example?

―My origin is peasant; I always had a tendency to write. When he was very young, he was a member of the “Julio Antonio Mella” library. When I was 20, I was imprisoned for political reasons and they didn’t let me go to university. I decided to be self-taught and spent many years regularly attending the library as if it were university. I looked for the best books, the best philosophers and writers, and that’s how I acquired culture. At 37 years old, I decided to enter a literary workshop in Santa Cruz del Sur. I started writing poetry and then I started writing testimonies. It was when I wrote and published the book The fury of the winds. That book won me the David Prize and opened the doors of literature for me.

―How was your experience as a writer and member of UNEAC in Camagüey?

―Winning the award and publishing the book facilitated my entry to UNEAC. They couldn’t say no to me because one of the requirements for writers is to have a book published. So, after so many problems at the age of 20, at almost 40 I entered UNEAC. I always maintained my position, although silent, because UNEAC is not a non-governmental society as it is preached, it is a Government organization. I was always trying to help someone, like Jorge González Allué [pianista, compositor y director de orquesta camagüeyano], which was in a precarious economic situation. At an assembly I mentioned it and that caused them to take better care of him and provide him with help. That’s how I stayed. With my trips to Havana, I met many writers, like Raúl Rivero, who became a good friend of mine, and others who are in exile or have died. Thus I was a member of UNEAC for almost 30 years.

―According to reports, you were expelled from UNEAC due to a letter you wrote to Miguel Díaz-Canel. Could you provide more details about the circumstances that led to your expulsion?

―I was expelled from UNEAC for a letter I wrote to Díaz-Canel, very decent by the way, in which I asked him to open the economy. It happened a few months before the demonstrations of July 11, 2021. In the letter I asked him to allow fishermen to live off their fish, and farmers to kill and sell their cows, among other things. All in a very respectful manner, treating him as “Mr. President.” However, that was not liked due to the political closure here. They called me to a consultation with the directors of the other facets of art in Camagüey, who are prone to fear. They asked me if I regretted the letter and I replied that I had nothing to regret. Two days later, I received an expulsion letter from UNEAC.

―How has this expulsion affected your career and your ability to freely express your ideas and opinions as a writer?

―The expulsion has benefited me. First of all, everyone knows me now. I have more freedom and I don’t have to limit myself when writing. I have been to the United States six times and have published three books there. I even reposted. The fury of the winds. I have also published two more novels, Girls in Río Blanco y Erotic confessions of Aunt Nora, which could never be published here. There he narrated things that would never be published in Cuba.

―I consider the Castro regime to be a failure. Always has been. I think we should be united and not confront each other, as is happening. There are many who try to pit opponents against each other. What we need is to be united and all fight for the same cause.

―What is your vision on the role of literature and art in promoting change and freedom in Cuba?

―Literature and art have always been important for society. Every time you say something good, true and well thought out, you are contributing to change. We are achieving that change even with our words. In this way, we open the eyes of many people who still have doubts about many things. Most people in the villages do not think, they simply repeat what others think. That’s where the problem lies. We have to reach out and teach people. Just as they have supported us for more than 60 years through television, radio and art, with a distorted and manipulated discourse in their own way, we have to express that same discourse from another point of view, real and sincere, by town.

―What do you think are the necessary steps to achieve positive change in Cuba and promote freedom of expression?

―I consider that there are two essential points that we must demand from the Government. First of all, that they officially recognize us as an opposition so we can organize and create a party. The second thing is to release all political prisoners who have not committed violent acts. We want a peaceful change, we do not want blood in Cuba. We need peaceful change in Cuba so that the youth can rebuild what is left of this country. Otherwise, we will only be left with sick old people.

―What actions or measures do you consider necessary to promote an environment conducive to freedom of expression in Cuba?

―The union between all; If we unite, we can fight peacefully against the regime.

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