Area Cubans Say Child Should Stay

It was the greatest act of love.

Lillian Simmons remembers the day, October 17, 1961. She remembers her younger sister and herself, as teenagers, boarding an airplane unaccompanied in Havana for the short flight to Miami. She remembers the fear that she may never see her parents again. The parents and other persons had gone to great risks to enable tens of thousands of children to escape the jail island that Cuba was becoming.

The memories are still strong, especially in the past few weeks as she watches the saga of the six year old rafter, Elián Gonzales unfold. She wonders what has changed so much since then.

"I cannot believe that this country, which cared so much for so many children then, would even think of sending a child back to Cuba now," she said. "Why do they think Elián's mother took such chances? Things have not improved in Cuba.

"I know in my heart that all is not as it appears on the surface. In all likelihood, Elián's father and his grandmothers are being coached by the Cuban government. In my heart, I know this. And I feel very sorry for them. Very sorry."

"It's incredible," she adds. "It would be unthinkable to send him back."

Mrs. Simmons' late parents, Sr. and Sra. Octavio Martinez were among the many who trusted the underground CIA effort code-named Peter Pan in the early 1960s. They sent their children without guarantees that they would ever see them again. The parents were fortunate to emigrate the following year, however.

What kind of life could Elián expect if he was returned to Cuba? A ration card for food for the family. Since he has turned six, he will no longer be eligible to have milk. In a few years he will be required to "volunteer" to work in the cane fields. The local Block Committee will determine if he is being brought up in the way of the revolution. If not, he may be taken from home and institutionalized. His father could also be jailed.

The children of Operation Peter Pan remember the fear that was constant in Cuba. But they also remember the surge of energy and excitement that comes with a free life, and they share a common prayer of gratitude.

"Thank God!" Mrs. Simmons stated, Thank God that no one sent me back to Cuba."

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Created -- 1/30/2000
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