About The Author: Jalyll Suarez
Jalyll Suarez was born in Cuba in 1982. Raised by a single mother, Jalyll faced adversity amidst an authoritarian regime. Tired of being surrounded by so much poverty, anguish and misery, Jalyll’s mother took matters into her own hands when a stroke of luck hit their doorway one fateful day and jumped at the chance to gain freedom.
Path to Freedom
Along with six others, Jalyll and his mother embarked on a dangerous journey by sea to the U.S. After surviving the six-day voyage on a man-made raft, Jalyll was able to carve a new path in the new world. With many deterrents along the way, Jalyll and his mother worked hard, seized every new opportunity, with each step of the way realizing dreams that were once unreachable.
A New Life
Jalyll’s newly found freedom undoubtedly let him to the “right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. His proud mother witnessed him graduate high school in the the top ten percent of his class and later saw him become the first person in his family to earn a Master’s degree. Jalyll went from being a “balsero” to a Master’s graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors. All possible because he was given the chance to live a life full of opportunities and live the American dream.
Today, Jalyll is a working professional with a career in Accounting. In 2022, Jalyll turned 40 and began his journey to write Six Days on a Paper Boat to share his incredible story with the world.
Each of us reach a time in our lives where we are forced to meet ourselves on a deeper level.
Jalyll at 8 months old playing in a “palangana” with a balloon
Jalyll at 8 months old playing in a “palangana” with a balloon
Jalyll celebrating his 2nd birthday with his mother in Cuba’s own Coney Island Park
Jalyll celebrating his 2nd birthday with his mother in Cuba’s own Coney Island Park
Jalyll on his 4th birthday
Jalyll on his 4th birthday
Jalyll at 4 years old with his mother Maria
Jalyll at 4 years old with his mother Maria
Jalyll’s mother Maria in the 1970’s
Jalyll’s mother Maria in the 1970’s
Jalyll’s mother Maria in the 1970’s
Jalyll’s mother Maria in the 1970’s
Jalyll’s father Francisco
Jalyll’s father Francisco
Jalyll upon arrival to the United States. Picture taken by the authorities.
Jalyll upon arrival to the United States. Picture taken by the authorities.
Maria upon receiving her US citizenship.
Maria upon receiving her US citizenship.
Jalyll reunited with his father after 22 years apart.
Jalyll reunited with his father after 22 years apart.
The only photo of Jalyll’s parents together with him.
Miami Herald, May 9th, 1991
Miami Herald, May 9th, 1991
An article from the Miami Herald dated May 9th, 1991, two days after Jalyll and his mother arrived to Miami, highlighting separate groups of Cubans who made it to land by sea.
Miami Herald Newspaper Clipping
Miami Herald Newspaper Clipping
The article listing the names of those who arrived by sea within a week. The group of 8 Jalyll and his mother arrived with is listed. *They misspelled Jalyll’s name.