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Raul Garcia

BU was asked by the family to publish the following message  extracted from the Free Raul ‘Coronell’ Garcia!! The man with no country Facebook Page to highlight the plight of Edilberto Coronell Munoz: – “Today makes 25 days that my uncle Raul Garcia is on a hunger strike at Dodd’s Prison, where they recently placed him into solitary confinement e to the strike. I’m including a few links that tell the story”Juan Garcia Jr

This is message from my aunt (his sister) and his current condition! My name is Elena Trillas and I am Raul Garcia’s sister. As of today, January 30, 2012 my brother has lost 22 pounds. He is beginning to sound weak and hopeless. To make matters worse the jail as decided to send him to solitary has punishment for his hunger strike. I will no longer be able to speak to him.

WHY THE HATRED TOWARDS MY BROTHER??? He paid his debt to society. He is no longer a criminal but an immigration detainee. Why throw him in a maximum prison and punish him because he is fighting for the freedom that he earned. People of Barbados, does it not scare you that the application of laws depend on the individual?

I know that my brother is not from Barbados. But despite being in jail for all these years he has done nothing but shed positive light on this country through his art. He has represented the island with an art display in New York. He’s won awards and all with paintings of BARBADOS. Of your beautiful landscapes and your beautiful people!!! He believed in the system. He believed in Barbados. No one is asking for anything other than what he has earned.

WE NEED SOMEONE TO LISTEN!! WE NEED SOMEONE TO HELP US OR HE WILL DIE…

Related Link: Miami man vows hunger strike until his death for his freedom in Barbados


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143 responses to “Free Raul ‘Coronell’ Garcia, The Man With No Country”


  1. No man should be denied entry to the land of his birth, There should be international condemnation of the cuban regime in the strongest possible terms for this blatant abuse of human rights through the practice of this repressive law. And to think that this is a regime which prides itself on having been in the forefront of fighhting for equality and racism in Africa.What hypocrisy.


  2. Until they do should the man be kept locked up?


  3. The VOICE oF THE CHURCH has been silent on this matter. This is indeed a HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE! Where is THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH! Are WE NOT OUR Brothers KEEPER. How can the Church TURN an eye and deaf ear to this atrocity.


  4. Can you post the facts surrounding all this David?

  5. Random Thoughts Avatar

    Cuba is wrong to deny reentry to its own citizens, even if the ar ecovicted criminals.

    Fidel and Roaul and company should be ashamed of themselves.

    That said the Barbados government should work quite a lot faster to find a country to take him.

    Or let him go.

    No point letting the man starve himself to death while the former LIAT pilot was given a fine and permission to fly happily home.

    Can’t Sir Johnny offer to represent this fellow pro bono?


  6. @Techie
    Here is the report by the Nation a while back:

    The prisoner with no name
    MAN OF MYSTERY: Edilberto Coronel Munoz, years ago, on his way to court during his trial. (FP)
    by BARRY ALLEYNE
    WHEN EDILBERTO CORONEL MUNOZ walked out of the Dodds Prison on March 11, he breathed life as a free man for the first time in 15 years.
    But that freedom lasted about 15 minutes, the time it took for a bus ride from the multi-million dollar prison in St Philip, to a lock-up in a small holding cell at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Christ Church.
    Now he’s been incarcerated again, for six weeks so far.
    And it may last much longer, since immigration officials still can’t verify who he actually is.
    Munoz arrived in Barbados in 1994 on false papers claiming to be a Colombian national and using the names Edilberto Coronel Munoz.
    WEEKEND NATION investigations have found that Munoz had lived in Miami under the name, Raul T. Garcia, said to be his real name, before being caught trafficking drugs into Barbados.
    “All I can tell you is that the Immigration Department is still carrying out investigations as to his true identity,” Acting Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Rodney Farrell told the WEEKEND NATION.
    “When that investigation is complete he will be deported to his home,” Farrell added.
    The 49-year-old Cuban, who speaks fluent English and won a NIFCA award last year for his artwork while a prisoner, has been in the custody of Immigration Department officials since his release from prison, having served a long sentence after being convicted of drug trafficking in 1995.
    Because of his country’s strict laws, Munoz will not be allowed back in Cuba where he was born, but left at age ten.
    Munoz’s sister and brother who live in Miami are now worried about their eldest sibling, and want him to return there.
    The WEEKEND NATION understands that Munoz is being treated well whilst held in the holding cell, and has been able to make numerous phone calls to persons in Barbados interested in his well being.
    In addition, copies of his birth certificate (under his original name) have been sent to the Cuban Embassy here in Barbados, in an attempt to expedite his application for a United States visa so he can return to Miami, Florida, if possible.
    The United States’ Immigration and Naturalisation Service is vehemently opposed to granting visas to persons who have been convicted of crimes, especially drug trafficking.
    “His sister Eleana lives in Miami where they all grew up, and she is worried sick about him,” a reliable source close to the situation and who requested anonynimity told the WEEKEND NATION.
    “They miss him and want him to come home as soon as possible. His father is very ill, and the family wants him to see his dad before he passes away,” the source added.
    When contacted about the case, Permanent Secretary of Defence and Security in the Prime Minister’s Office, Gilbert Greaves, said he was not aware of the specifics of Munoz’s case, but did reveal that all convicted persons who were non-nationals were immediately handed over to Immigration Department personnel to expedite their deportation process.
    But it’s not always a speedy transition from prison to a person’s home country.
    “It does not always happen immediately,” Greaves, also a former Chief Immigration Officer, told the WEEKEND NATION.
    “If a flight back to the person’s home country is not readily available, then obviously the person can’t be officially deported. In cases like that persons are held in custody at the airport until a flight becomes available. If there is a problem with the person having to pass through a particular jurisdiction where a visa is required, that can also cause a delay,” Greaves added.
    In addition, persons could be left in limbo if they have to travel through


  7. Cuba Drug Laws are harsh and no tolerance not surprising cuba refuses to take him back. Unfortunately Barbados is being caught up in the eye of the storm.i think the family is going to need the help of many Humanatarian groups to help release Raul and find him a home .I am one to believe that our govt is doing all that is possible to find him a place because this kind of publicity Barbados does not need knowing that it is all about perception. Our country is being caught between a rock and a hard place through no fault of their own.

  8. Random Thoughts Avatar

    On the other hand it since it seems that he left Cuba in the 1950’s they may no longer regard him as one of thier own, but it appears taht he has a convicton for drug trafficking in the U.S. Maybe the Americans would like tohave him back to complete his sentence.

    Also silly man. Why did you live in the U.S. for 30 years or more without applying for citizenship? Home is the place whre when you go there thy have to take you back.

    You shoudda apply for American citizenship man!


  9. it is hard not to see the human side but it is equally hard not to see the legal side and in part the heavy hand of the law and rightfully so brought upon this man because of his many illegalties throughout the years. However he did his time and should be freed but the hardest part of the puzzle is which country would grant him status for indeed it would be a blemish on society and a shame if he should die in jail because no country wanted him.


  10. Thanks David, as usual people jumping on the Cuba bandwagon *smh* and ready to bash Castro. Others seem ready to bash Barbados also, typical.


  11. Why should we give him a free stay here? None was accorded to the many Bajans and other West Indians who ventured to Cuba ,in the ’40’s and ’50’s ,who were employed in backbreaking work there. Some managed to get married and settled down there ,only to be packed back to their respective islands in the middle of the night with only the shirts on their backs, when Castro took possession of Cuba.
    Let him go and occupy the Cuban Embassy in Barbados.


  12. @ac…

    Isn’t he free so to speak? He has served his time (lucky fellow too). It seems that his detention now is an immigration issue where he has no country to be deported to. Until then he is being held at HMP Dodds as we do not have a separate detention facility for immigration matters like this.
    He was not born in the US so even if he had US citizenship, he could still be denied entry there as he is now a criminal.
    Don’t see how he will get a visa either, not with the hoopla going on now here in the US on immigration issues……talking about a rock and a hard place.


  13. @ Colonel Buggy – what does one thing have to do with the other?


  14. balance and Random Thoughts

    Are quick to take a turn in Cuba while ignoring that the man really grew in the US who are just as guilty of not wanting to take him back… What hypocrites …


  15. Colonel Buggy

    Some managed to get married and settled down there ,only to be packed back to their respective islands in the middle of the night with only the shirts on their backs, when Castro took possession of Cuba
    *******************
    I remember a man who was repatriated from Cuba in the 60’s to our district, the poor chap was returned with a valise and nothing else. Many a day we would see him walking in the middle of the day wearing a suit, so much so that the local wags said that his shirt didn’t have a back hence the reason for wearing a jacket daily 🙂 .


  16. This is a very sad situation and the Barbados government has to deal with this in a very humane manner. Locking this man up in solitary is shameful! He can earn his keep by painting, so let him do so. He has done foolish things in the past and let us hope he is rehabilitated. Give this man a temporary visa to remain in Barbados so that he can make something of what is left of his life. If no country is willing to take him then we have no choice but to let him live here until one does. He should not be living in prison after serving his time. He should be sent to a half way house until he can stand on his own feet. Barbados show some humanity!


  17. ac- there are some countries where conviction for drugs is punishable by death. refusal by cuba not to allow the man back in his country of birth has nothing to do with any harsh drug laws. it is as result of a repressive revolutionary law among others which dictates that persons citizens of cuba should not remain out of the country for an extended period without permission of the state.i hope that mr obama does not bow to the greedy american business interests and sell the cuban people down the drain by removing the embargo before those ancient criminals ruling the country fade away.do not pick on the church ac, pick on the david dennys, comissiongs and bobby clarkes who benefit from the largesse of the cuban regime off the backs of the depressed majority who work for the equivalent of less than us10 per month. these things need speaking about not the few scholarships they hand out to keep fire from off their backs.


  18. @balance;
    idon’t even know why i am replying to you . firstly the voice of the church should be heard on humanatarian matters which is evedient in this case.and yes the drug laws of Cuba are one of the reasons not the only reason that he is not being readmitted.


  19. @ AC
    Of course you are right…the voice of the Church – where is it? And the self-procalimed human rights activists? A priest friend of mine telephoned the Bishop of Barbados one week ago today (Thursday) and talked about the Garcia case. The response, apparently, was “Yes I remember something about this. I will get back to you by early next week. Meanwhile, YOU call the Attorney-General’s office.” Well, my friend still waits for the call.
    Mind, the Garcia case was menioned by an Anglican priest in a programme on Faith FM on Tuesday at 9.0pm. The programme, I understand, is being repeated today (Thursday) at 5.0pm..


  20. By the way…all of this was aired last week on BFP – but it’s great that BU has also taken it up.


  21. In Raul case, I believe that the time is right where the government of Barbados should abandon, the civil law with govern the human affairs, and act on the law of conscience, in an effort to bring some kind resolution to this situation.


  22. It would be a travesty if a man who is ‘free’ were to be allowed to die in prison on Barbados soil.


  23. I guess the privilege few alligance and loyalities lies deep within their own pockets.never thinking of the golden opportunity of education was given to them freely and now in return they are saying to government ,get lost,” we owe you nothing and to prove that we are going to take you to court.


  24. What role is the Cuban Ambassador in Barbados playing? If ever there was a matter which required diplomatic intervention this is it. This a human being first and foremost. Our AG and Minister of Foreign Affairs need to step up to the plate. If Cuba or the US are unwilling to accept him he should be released in Barbados under the recognizance of one of many who can volunteer.


  25. sorry folks the comment dated feb2 @1.58pm was incorrectly posted here

    I am hesitant to jump on the governments back in this problem as the government hands seem to be tied .it might not be as simple a matter and could involve many hurdles which might be in the way of hasting his release. i at this point is going to give the government the benefit of the doubt as cause for his prompt release however i do believe that the likely hood of him being released would be hastened if more countries and human rights organisations and churches get actively involved.the government of barbados alone can’t do it this is a very tough nut to crack. Raul needs all the help he can get.


  26. APPEAL TO RAUL’S FAMILY

    I have thought long and hard about Raul’s plight. It seems to me that there is such a large measure of support for Raul that there must also be a measure of understanding in government – though I am disappointed that Raul’s lawyer has not gone public, so far as is prudent; nor the Church nor the human rights people. Indeed, how can ANY civilised society behave in this way to one who has paid the price?
    Be that as it may, I would ask the family to convey to Raul, if it can, that there is one Robert Ross who deeply believes that Raul should now end his hunger strike FOR THE TIME BEING – so as to give the wheels time to be oiled, as I believe they have been, and to turn. I see no point in him damaging himself even more than he has, and consider that the strike may play into the hands of those who are without goodwill for him. He must be assured that there are many of us, followers of both BFP and BU, who believe in him wholeheartedly and with love and who will do everything we can to secure his honourable release. He has our prayers – and why not, for isn’t it the artists and poets, minstrels and dancers who give life to Life?


  27. Yes Raul I am agreement with Ross. Keep the Faith i have sent Correspondence to international new media hopefully more exposure might help to get the word out which would help with the release.


  28. Work has been going on for a while now to sort out things for Raul its just that he took a different approach (hunger strike) causing a public out cry. The process is not easy but I do believe he could have been given some level of freedom even if he has to report to the authorities frequently.

  29. Random Thoughts Avatar

    His siblings are in Miami. Are they American citizens? Miami is only 3 hours and 57 minutes away. I know because American airlines never feeds ya unless the flight is more than 4 hours, so no food between Barbados and Miami.Have they visited him in the last 2 years since he was release from prison? I gather that he is from a wealthy family. If they haven’t been visiting him regularly why not? since if they are American citizens they don’t need a visa to come to Barbados, they can just show up. Have they paid a lawyer to represent his interest? Does he have any drug trafficking money left? Can’t he pay his own big shot lawyer?


  30. A little off the topic. thw barbados government was given two weeks to reply to the jamaican girl Myrie or the matter wiil be heard at the CCJ. has the government responded or are they continuing to lag on this matter, that can embarrass the country? Two weeks is long gone.


  31. Why not send him to Colombia? Didn’t he have Columbian documents? Columbia accepts third country deportees and people who claim to be Columbian born.

    Check out the story of the 15 year old US born citizen who managed to convince the US and Columbia that she was born in Columbia and was deported there after a minor criminal offence. Going by the story there is even a Bridgetown and Cuban connection.

    The downside she has now returned to the USA and is pregnant; the upside for Garcia is that he is fluent in Spanish and once held Columbian papers.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082619/Jakadrien-Turner-Missing-Dallas-teen-mistakenly-deported-wound-pregnant-imprisoned-Colombia.html


  32. The AAD is a foundation Raul wanted to launch when he thought he was being released back in 2010. He wants to help people not corrupt societies. Please give him a chance. This message is not only to Barbados government but to the world

    http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/frank-garcia.html

    Art Against Drugs (AAD)

    AAD was founded by Raul ‘Coronell’ Garcia in 2010 after his release from a 20 year sentence for Drug Importation, Trafficking and Possession. May 7th 2001, brought a major change in Coronell’s life – the death of his eldest son by way of methadone (meth) and cocaine overdose. For More Info on Coronell Story click Coronell Profile and be sure to look out for his upcoming book; “The Sunset”.

    After his experience in the drug world and several sentences and prisons later, Coronell at 56 years old is committed to sending a very serious message to people, especially young people about the destruction of the drug world. Also, a message to those involved in Drug Trade and Trafficking about the serious consequences for the seller and the buyers. His pain includes the lost of a son, the lost of his most productive years and his freedom. This project AAD will provide funds and guidance to prevent persons from entering into the Drug Trade and help those already in it to get out.

    Two years ago, in 2008, while attending a Rehabilitation Programme Coronell met a Part Time Counselor, Corey Lane, Founder of Nature Fun Ranch. Coronell sensed the genuine intention of the group and has therefore decided to commit to assisting this group which will work with hundreds of young persons to empower them to stay away from drugs and other social ills using an everyday way of life program. From prison, Coronell has acted as an advisor to the project in Mentorship and Resource Mobilization and here starts a further partnership of assistance.

    Project AAD will be a joint project between Coronell’s Art and Nature Fun Ranch (Registered Charity 779). Coronell’s Art will be selling Coronell’s Paintings and Prints via its website HYPERLINK “http://www.cornellart.com” http://www.Coronellart.com and 10% of all sales will go to NFR to assist in their prevention programmes against drugs and also to link with groups doing similar things around the world. Art Against Drug, Get Involved!!!!


  33. TO RAUL’S FAMILY

    I have just checked the name of Raul’s lawyer. I am told it is Wanda Pyle. Despite her own little local difficulties, I am sure she is very good. However, I am told by Community Legal Services (legal aid) that she is not in fact on the CLS list of lawyers who undertake legal aid work. If this is correct, then there is a potential problem.
    My view is that it would be open to Raul to apply for his release by way of a constitutional motion. In that case he might be able to obtain legal aid since I understand that though he is not Barbadian the Director of CLS has a discretion in cases of this kind. Will a lawyer correct me if I’m wrong.
    I do not imagine that funds are plentiful so that legal aid support would obviously be very beneficial.
    We have not heard from Miss Pyle herself despite pleas on BFP and here. So it does not seem unreasonable to me to make this suggestion to you.


  34. BU recommends that Wanda Pile be fired. This gentleman needs a more high profile lawyer like Hal Gollop et al.


  35. “High profile”…couldn’t agree more and certainly Hal Gollop is very experienced in matters of this kind. Ditto Alair Shepherd QC. Arthur Holder is not afraid to ‘mix it’. Likewise Andrew Pilgrim. But, as BU says, there are others too though not personally known to me.


  36. Still, he is lucky that he was not convicted in one of the following countries:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh,Brunei,China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia,Sri Lanka, Taiwan,Vietnam,United Arab Republic and Zimbabwe.


  37. Who pays the piper calls the tune? Why has this man not receive the attention of the Cuban Embassy in Barbados? Where are the “Friend of Cuba” ,ie Denny and the PEP ,when they are most needed,to give assistance and support to this man, like so many of them did over the stranded Ghanian / Nigerian issue. The answer is simple, he who pays the piper calls the tune,and human rights in this case is overlooked,for fear of getting on the wrong side of Havanah.
    Barbados is a small place and it should be relatively easy to keep track on this man if he is released and allowed to stay here. The last thing that we want to do is to go down a hard line, like the British did in Northern Ireland in 1981 when 10 hunger strikers starve to death. This man is not a terrorist,and have served his dues.


  38. The UN knows about my father’s case. They went to visit him on Friday.
    Its only a matter of time before the Human Rights Jumps all over this.
    Also a big international news station has picked up the story in Miami. This isn’t just local news anymore.

    “F- Fooled around with crime and served his time,
    R- Raul regretted the strife he brought into his life,
    E- Earned respect from others trying to make amends
    E- Everyone one of us needs to see a fair and just END.

    R- Raul deserves to be a free man today
    A- A decade? no two, he was made to pay.
    U- Unless you have no heart, I should hear you wail.
    L- Let RAUL GARCIA come out of jail.

    G- Governors of Barbados I would like to know why.
    A- A man of his present stature should be allowed to DIE.
    R- RAUL deserves a second chance to live happy and FREE.
    C- Can’t imagine how i would feel if this happen to me
    I – I live in a place supposedly CHRISTIAN with a passion.
    A- A RIGHT thing to do, MAKE RAUL’S FREEDOM A MISSION.

    FREE RAUL GARCIA ON STRICTLY HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS!!!!!!!”

    This is a great quote


  39. @ Rob Ross,
    I am Raul’s son..I’ve been working on my end making sure my dad’s voice is heard. We are making waves,,The UNHCR knows about my dad’s case..We contacted them and they responded. Not only did they return our message they sent a Nun on their behalf to check on my dad. They are aware of his case and are going to help him find a country..They said that it can take upto 3 or more years. In the meantime we need to get him out of jail.

    I have an interview with a major international news station tomorrow. They are very interested in the story. I will keep you guys posted.

    As for lawyers , I ma not sure how Wonda is handling my dad’s case.. Maybe its something beyond her powers. I dont know. From what I gather she needs our help? I’m not dealing with her directly.

    For those who haven’t seen his art here’s a link to his website/blogspot.
    http://coronellart.blogspot.com/

    Thank you to all the supporters.


  40. Seems like good news coming for your father. Tell him to start eating . There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.


  41. ac the voice of the church me foot. the church has its own problems some with the behaviours of their priesdts- lesbianism’ homosexualty, thieving and such like all contrary to the teachings of the scriptures which they are supposed to teach. there is hardly any trust in the church these days. the united nations need to send a resolution to the cuban regime condeming this human rights abuse against their citizens by cuba and we can picket the cuban embassy here. seems that you hsave a soft spot for the cuban regime and is skirting around the issuie so as not to criticize the regime.


  42. Why are the Commisiongs, Dennys et al so quiet?


  43. @ ac, I would like him to start eating..You are right but he is determined. He wont stop until he is free or placed in a different facility with more freedoms as he deserves.
    UNHCR representative tried to talk to him into eating and he refused.


  44. It seems despite our high level of education we become challenged as a country when we have difficult problems to solve. Odds are the decision makers will wait until he dies before galvanizing into some kind of action.


  45. Temporary solution.

    Frank Garcia and agrees to rent a house in Barbados and provide financial support for his father until a country is found for him.

    The father is released from prison and reports to the police or immigration once a week.

    The people of Barbados should not be burdened any longer with the cost of supporting this man regardless of what he has done while in prison.

    He has done his time and should be free.


  46. Should this not be an issue not only the Church should be vocal about but the Opposition BLP as well? Should we not demand as much from our political representatives i.e to stand for something for godsakes?


  47. David the man is not a Barbadian citizen.

    The Government is not starving him. he is free to leave prison if he can find a country to go to.

    You are right about the Christian Church. Surely they can help one of God’s children.


  48. @Hants

    Expecting the political directorate to take a humanitarian stance is not unreasonable. To be humanitarian is not confined by the national boundary.


  49. David what do you suggest Government should do?

    Did you read my Hants | February 4, 2012 at 1:31 PM |

    Temporary solution?

    Thats the best I could think of in 2 minutes.


  50. Why should the man have to report to the police if he is free to go? Are you afraid that he would be a flight risk? So what if he leaves …

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