The recent images of malnourished and abandoned elderly people at the Mártires de Mayarí Teaching Hospital in Holguín have shocked public opinion. These patients, tied to their beds, naked and without even a sheet to cover them, reflect the harsh reality of a collapsing healthcare system. Meanwhile, the Cuban government seems to live in a bubble of opulence, allocating resources to luxurious events and tourism projects that contribute little to the well-being of the population.
In the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis, characterized by rampant inflation and an alarming shortage of food and medicine, government priorities are, at the very least, insulting. The celebration of the Habano Festival at El Capitolio de La Habana is a clear example of this disconnection. While the country faces massive blackouts and basic shortages, the elite gather to celebrate the exclusivity of Cuban tobacco at an event that is a far cry from the daily struggles of the average citizen.
"Of the humble, by the humble, and for the humble? Don't mess with me!"
The festival was characterized by extravagance and ostentation. Bright lights illuminated the event while much of the island remained in darkness due to frequent power outages. Luxurious drinks were served, and exclusive cigars were enjoyed in an atmosphere reminiscent of 1950s Cuba, the very era that the "revolutionary" regime has criticized so much. To complete the spectacle, a singer entertained the evening with a style reminiscent of those times, making it clear that the government's double standards know no bounds.
But the most outrageous aspect was the presence of lawyer Manuel Anido, son of Lis Cuesta and "advisor" and stepson of Miguel Díaz-Canel. His participation in the event only confirms the regime's complete disconnection from the reality of Cubans. While families struggle to secure a meal, the elite revel in exclusive parties in a luxury unattainable for most.
The disconnect between the official discourse and the palpable reality in the streets is astounding and offensive.
The First Lady, Lis Cuesta, has publicly defended the holding of these luxury events, arguing that "they are part of the national identity and cannot be canceled." This statement feels like an insult to those who have nothing to put on their tables or who must endure inhumane conditions in healthcare centers lacking the most basic necessities. The disconnect between the official narrative and the palpable reality in the streets is striking and offensive.
Was the revolution made for the humble? Well, those who made it became everything they said they would put an end to. They turned into an elite living in luxury while the people are starving in frightening hospitals. And for the humble? Well, thank you, they forgot about them, and today they are no longer humble; we are worse off than ever, we are very poor, we are in ruins, living in inhumane conditions. The empty promises of the dictatorship only led us to this.
The regime must change completely, or everyone has to leave. With each day they resist change, the chances of ending up in Russia with their great friend Putin increase, just like Bashar al-Assad did.
Filed under:
Opinion article: Las declaraciones y opiniones expresadas en este artículo son de exclusiva responsabilidad de su autor y no representan necesariamente el punto de vista de CiberCuba.