Armando Pérez Roura was "the first figure of Cuban radio in the United States"

November 25, 2020

The legendary radio commentator, Armando Pérez Roura, a recognized figure in the struggle against the Cuban revolution, passed away on Monday, November 23 in Miami at the age of 92.

During his extensive career in South Florida, he worked and was one of the founders of Radio Mambí and more recently, since 2015, he maintained a slot on La Poderosa.

Pérez Roura left the island in 1962 and became one of the most prominent Cuban communicators in Miami, from where he maintained a leading position against the Cuban revolution.
The most prominent figures of the counterrevolution and political events in South Florida passed through his radio programs.

"Rest in peace, my admirable friend Armando Pérez Roura," said former congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart on his Twitter profile, who was invited numerous times to his program.
"For decades Pérez Roura contributed decisively to keeping the Cuban nation alive in exile. He was fundamental in my political career. Thanks to him I was able to keep our community informed of my work in DC," wrote Díaz-Balart.

Former congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen also referred to his passing. "The death of Cuban radio legend Armando Pérez-Roura is significant because his voice was very powerful. Armando's editorials carried weight and he spoke for our exiled community. His support was invaluable to politicians. Pérez-Roura articulated our yearning for a free Cuba".

His extensive career in front of the radio microphones in South Florida earned Pérez Roura the distinction of "the first figure of Cuban radio in the United States," but he also received important awards given to Spanish-language broadcasting.

According to statements made by journalist Roberto Rodríguez Tejera, of Actualidad Radio, "You cannot talk about the history of exile without talking about Armando," it was Pérez Roura who began to politicize radio in Miami, made famous the Tome Nota, a kind of editorial in which the Cuba issue was the protagonist; and he always maintained "his conviction about Cuba" and his vision for the country," noted Tejera.

"He always told us about Cuba, he taught us that we cannot forget what happened there and what is still happening," said his grandson, Pedro Armando Pérez Roura.

The distinguished commentator is survived by four children and 15 grandchildren.