Mel Martinez, former Orange County mayor, U.S. senator, and leader of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is closely following the indictment of Raul Castro and its potential impact on Cuba’s future. Martinez, who emigrated from Cuba as a teenager, spoke exclusively to WESH 2’s Nancy Alvarez about the significance of this moment for Cubans. Martinez’s connection to Cuba is deeply personal. His life was profoundly affected by the Cuban revolution, which led his parents to send him to Florida alone as part of Operation Pedro Pan, a Catholic Church initiative that brought Cuban children to safety. “In my hometown, a 16-year-old boy was shot by a firing squad. It was those kinds of stories, not stories, real incidents, life events that caused my parents to fear for me and send me out,” Martinez said. Martinez eventually settled in Orlando, where his parents and siblings joined him years later. Like millions of displaced Cubans, his family waited for change. “No one thought that the Castro regime would survive,” Martinez said. The Castro regime endured for over 60 years, but Martinez now wonders if Raul Castro’s indictment could spark significant change. “This is a moment, so why not now?” Martinez said. He explained why the timing matters, pointing out that Cuba can no longer rely on critical alliances like the one with Venezuela. The island faces worsening conditions, including blackouts, food and medical shortages, and growing desperation just 90 miles from the United States. “The Cuban system is an enemy of the United States, has been from the beginning, and has been an enemy in every form and every way,” Martinez said. As desperation grows, Martinez warned of potential consequences. “It becomes more dangerous because they get more desperate. It could be a migration crisis, which is not good for our country. But it could also be a problem because what if tomorrow the Russians decide to be more friendly with Cuba? How about China? Who knows? But who needs that? It’s not like the history has been a peaceful one. So I think it’s time. It’s Cuba’s time,” Martinez said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Mel Martinez, former Orange County mayor, U.S. senator, and leader of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is closely following the indictment of Raul Castro and its potential impact on Cuba’s future. Martinez, who emigrated from Cuba as a teenager, spoke exclusively to WESH 2’s Nancy Alvarez about the significance of this moment for Cubans.

Martinez’s connection to Cuba is deeply personal. His life was profoundly affected by the Cuban revolution, which led his parents to send him to Florida alone as part of Operation Pedro Pan, a Catholic Church initiative that brought Cuban children to safety.

“In my hometown, a 16-year-old boy was shot by a firing squad. It was those kinds of stories, not stories, real incidents, life events that caused my parents to fear for me and send me out,” Martinez said.

Martinez eventually settled in Orlando, where his parents and siblings joined him years later. Like millions of displaced Cubans, his family waited for change.

“No one thought that the Castro regime would survive,” Martinez said.

The Castro regime endured for over 60 years, but Martinez now wonders if Raul Castro’s indictment could spark significant change.

“This is a moment, so why not now?” Martinez said.

He explained why the timing matters, pointing out that Cuba can no longer rely on critical alliances like the one with Venezuela. The island faces worsening conditions, including blackouts, food and medical shortages, and growing desperation just 90 miles from the United States.

“The Cuban system is an enemy of the United States, has been from the beginning, and has been an enemy in every form and every way,” Martinez said.

As desperation grows, Martinez warned of potential consequences.

“It becomes more dangerous because they get more desperate. It could be a migration crisis, which is not good for our country. But it could also be a problem because what if tomorrow the Russians decide to be more friendly with Cuba? How about China? Who knows? But who needs that? It’s not like the history has been a peaceful one. So I think it’s time. It’s Cuba’s time,” Martinez said.