Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez joined the Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana for a special tribute to Costa Rica and personally presented an Honorary Citation to Manuel Tovar Rivera, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship. Tovar has served as Costa Rica’s foreign minister since May 2026.
The recognition came as Costa Rica has taken a firmer diplomatic position toward Cuba. In March, the Costa Rican government announced the closure of its embassy in Havana and requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel, citing worsening restrictions on fundamental freedoms and deteriorating living conditions on the island. More recently, Foreign Minister Tovar publicly reaffirmed that Costa Rica had broken diplomatic relations with Cuba.
“For our Cuban community, this is an issue that carries deep personal meaning,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Costa Rica’s decision reflects serious concerns about political repression, fundamental freedoms, and the conditions faced by the Cuban people. It was an honor to recognize Minister Tovar and to hear directly about Costa Rica’s position.”
Fernandez also recognized the role of the Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana in bringing together members of the exile community and maintaining attention on political and human-rights conditions in Cuba. He emphasized the importance of preserving the experiences of those who left the island and ensuring future generations understand the history that shaped Miami-Dade’s Cuban community.
Fernandez thanked Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera, the people of Costa Rica, and the Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana for the opportunity to participate in the event. He also expressed appreciation for the continued dialogue surrounding democracy, human rights, and the experiences of Cuban families both on the island and throughout the diaspora.
