Miami, November 7 – The World Liberty Congress (WLC) joined in honoring the memory of victims of communism at a moving memorial event in Miami, marking the beginning of a two-week-long program dedicated to raising awareness of the human toll inflicted by communist regimes worldwide. Felix Maradiaga, elected member of the WLC Leadership Council and coordinator of the WLC Academy, along with WLC member, Orlando Gutierrez, were invited as keynote speakers for this event, organized by Dr. Yuleisy Mena, Director of the Bay of Pigs Museum. The WLC members delivered a lecture titled, “The Obsolescence of Communism: A Totalitarian Relic Still Threatening the Free World,” calling for greater unity among pro-democracy advocates to counter the ongoing influence of totalitarian ideologies.
The event brought together leaders of the Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan pro-democracy communities in exile, alongside survivors and descendants of those who experienced communist oppression firsthand. Dr. Ieva Zake, an academic expert, presented an impactful reflection on the resilience of Latvia under communist rule and the vital role of the Latvian diaspora in advocating for freedom. Through powerful audiovisual exhibits, attendees were exposed to the historical suffering endured by Ukrainians during the Holodomor famine, the terror of Stalin’s purges, and the atrocities carried out by communist regimes in China, Cambodia, Eastern Europe, and beyond.
In his address, Maradiaga highlighted Nicaragua’s painful history under the Sandinista regime, an authoritarian regime deeply influenced by Castro’s dictatorship. He emphasized how communist ideology, though outdated, continues to harm lives and erode freedoms. “Communism was once seen as a path to social justice, but history has shown it to be a tool of oppression and control, dismantling freedoms and denying dignity wherever it appears,” Maradiaga said. Gutierrez, for his part, exposed the disinformation mechanisms employed by the Castro regime to disguise communism as social justice.
The World Liberty Congress firmly believes that those who cherish freedom must strengthen their coordination and stand united across borders. This event underscores the need for those committed to democracy to collaborate globally, fostering a resilient alliance to protect human rights and democratic principles against the resurgence of authoritarian ideologies.
The WLC extends its gratitude to the educators from across Miami-Dade County who attended the event, recognizing the vital role that education plays in preventing the repetition of past atrocities. The program will continue at the Bay of Pigs Museum until November 18, allowing the public to learn from the past and honor the memory of those who suffered under communism.
The World Liberty Congress stands with all who defend freedom, calling for an unwavering commitment to democracy and a future liberated from the shadows of totalitarianism.
