Since Castro's regime took control of Cuba in 1959, immigration to the USA has been a constant issue, creating waves of migrants seeking freedom. This book delves into the 1994 migration crisis, a unique and harrowing chapter in this ongoing struggle. Unlike previous waves, in 1994, Cuban migrants were not allowed to enter the USA immediately and were instead relocated to special camps at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) Military Base in the eastern part of Cuba.
"Ninety Miles in a Hundred and Eighty Days" provides an in-depth look at life inside these camps, capturing the daily hardships, the resilience of the migrants, and the complex dynamics within the camps. The narrative is enriched by the firsthand account of one of the Cuban Camp Chiefs, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the camps and the multifaceted challenges faced by both the Cuban refugees and the American Task Force responsible for them.
The book chronicles the difficulties of living in a confined, heavily guarded environment, where Cuban society's virtues and flaws were magnified in the microcosm of the camps. It paints a vivid picture of the struggle for survival, the yearning for freedom, and the human spirit's endurance against all odds.
This compelling story is not just about the physical journey from Cuba to freedom but also about the emotional and psychological battles fought along the way. It is a testament to the unbreakable will of those who risked everything for a chance at a better life and a detailed exploration of a significant yet often overlooked chapter in the history of Cuban-American relations.