Recent comments by Elizabeth González Aznar have reignited the ongoing debate over inequality in Cuba. The controversy arose after INDER, the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation, distributed cars to athletes loyal to the regime, while pivotal figures in science and health remain neglected.
In a Facebook post, González brought to light the plight of her father, Dr. Raúl González Hernández, a 79-year-old Cuban scientist who developed Trofin, an anti-anemia supplement used widely in the country for over thirty years. She detailed how her father has spent years seeking assistance to repair his Lada car, which he originally received in 1970 from Fidel Castro as a recognition of his achievements.
Despite sending letters to the Ministry of Transport, Biocubafarma, and even the president, the response has been consistently dismissive: "The country does not have that capability." González questioned in her post, "Does this happen with athletes because they bring in money as well as glory?" She emphasized that Trofin has been a crucial product, not only for the health of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes, but also for the economy, being sold in CUP, USD, and MLC and registered in other countries.
According to her calculations, just 1% of the sales from this medication over the past 32 years would have sufficed to cover the aid her father has requested for 25 years. Her complaint also highlights the lack of recognition for scientists, doctors, and educators in Cuba, sectors that, despite their societal impact, receive meager salaries and no state benefits.
"We can understand even less when we see young people born yesterday who, just because they are children or grandchildren of Revolution leaders, have luxury cars. Where do these come from?" she wrote, exposing the double standards in resource allocation within the country. Dr. Raúl González Hernández's case is not unique, but it lays bare a glaring contradiction in the Cuban system: while some receive cars as a reward for political loyalty, others who have dedicated their lives to the country's development cannot even repair a vehicle awarded over five decades ago.
González has repeatedly voiced her father's rightful claim for recognition, yet no favorable response has come forth. Last December, she disclosed that her father has been forced to beg for the supplement he created for his relatives. Despite the seriousness of her complaint, she expressed no fear of reprisals, believing that the institutional indifference towards him has been evident since his retirement.
Moreover, she expressed contentment with her decision to publicize the situation, stressing that her father deserves full support and acknowledgment for the years of work and sacrifice dedicated to developing Trofin. "Many are worried about the consequences, censorship, reprisals, some kind of warning, and those things we know happen, but honestly, I don't think so," she noted.
Key Concerns About Resource Allocation in Cuba
Why are athletes in Cuba given cars while scientists are not?
The Cuban government has been criticized for prioritizing athletes loyal to the regime with resources like cars, potentially due to the revenue and prestige they bring, whereas scientists receive little recognition despite their significant contributions.
What is Trofin, and why is it significant?
Trofin is an anti-anemia supplement developed by Dr. Raúl González Hernández and has been vital for the health of various groups in Cuba, including children and athletes. It also contributes economically, being sold in multiple currencies and registered internationally.
What has Elizabeth González Aznar revealed about her father's situation?
Elizabeth González Aznar has exposed the neglect her father, Dr. Raúl González Hernández, faces from Cuban authorities, highlighting his fruitless attempts to get assistance for his car repair and the broader issue of undervaluing scientists in Cuba.