Meeting a Symbol of Freedom: Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Welcomes Lech Wałęsa to Miami-Dade

This week, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez had the honor of meeting Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, during his visit to the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. The event brought together community leaders, members of the Cuban exile community, and advocates for democracy to reflect on the enduring global fight for freedom.

Wałęsa’s leadership in guiding Poland from communist rule toward democracy remains one of the defining stories of modern Europe. His role in the Solidarity movement demonstrated how courage, faith, and civic engagement can reshape a nation’s future. For many in Miami-Dade, particularly within the Cuban community, his journey resonates deeply.

“As your Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I know public service is about protecting the institutions that uphold freedom, accountability, and the rule of law,” said Fernandez. “President Wałęsa’s leadership continues to inspire those who stand for liberty, including the Cuban people.”

Fernandez also expressed gratitude to Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, the Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana, and the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora for organizing the gathering and creating space for reflection and dialogue. The evening underscored Miami-Dade’s identity as a community that values democratic principles and stands in solidarity with those who seek freedom around the world.

For Fernandez, serving Miami-Dade means more than administering services. It also means honoring the ideals that many residents came here to protect: democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.