Ulises Toirac, a well-known Cuban comedian, took to Facebook to express his disapproval of the decision to rent out spaces at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune José Martí. Through a simple yet powerful parable, Toirac questioned the wisdom behind the move, stating, "The wise solution doesn't fit the equation. It's my moral obligation to take care of my mother."
The comedian compared the situation to the notion of renting out one's mother to cover her expenses, a concept many would find absurd. "Economically speaking, renting out something that incurs losses when unused, and whose losses grow over time due to deterioration, is a wise decision. The question is, what are we talking about?" he pointed out, known for his sharp and direct language.
Toirac didn't directly mention the reported fee of up to 28,000 pesos per day for renting parts of the site, historically linked to political confrontations against the United States. However, he included a screenshot from CiberCuba, clearly indicating the context of his critique.
The Broader Implications of the Decision
The rental plan has sparked a wave of responses, with some applauding Toirac for his ethical clarity and others defending the measure as a common "mixed-use" practice seen globally. Many resonated with Toirac's sentiment. "We survive because our children work tirelessly abroad to support us," wrote Elizabeth Lugo from Santa Clara. Meanwhile, Blanca Lama Torres remarked on the economic hardships, "We're in free fall without brakes or parachutes, both of which need to be bought in dollars."
Some reactions were harsher. "If they've always profited from selling Che's image on every trinket imaginable, what can you expect from this situation? They'd sell their mother to maintain their position and lifestyle," commented David Maqueira. Jorge Hernández added, "They've started to destroy everything they built. They'd only do that if they didn't want to leave any traces, following the footsteps of the Russians who consolidated power before changing course."
Historical Context and Recent Developments
On May 12, a sponsored content piece on the state-run Cubadebate website announced that the iconic Anti-Imperialist Tribune José Martí, a symbol of Cuba's official stance against the U.S., would be open for rental for cultural, political, educational, and similar activities. The announcement framed the decision as a way to sustain the site's "foundational principles" amid economic challenges for maintaining public infrastructure.
The news quickly went viral, sparking outrage, disbelief, and even creativity. Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, president of the Rampa Popular Council, reacted on Facebook to clarify the situation, emphasizing that the site would continue to serve as a platform for denunciation.
Garcés noted that the discussion had been misrepresented as if the Tribune were up for auction, which he claimed distorted the actual conversation. He explained that the site had long sought economic sustainability due to marine environment damage and budget constraints. The proposal involved renting out three interior rooms for state institution events, previously offered for free.
The official assured that the site's political and social mission was never up for debate, and any rentals would only proceed if they didn't disrupt scheduled community or political activities. Following this, Cubadebate quietly removed the announcement, leading to further reactions on social media questioning the regime's transparency and coherence.
Memes and criticisms flooded social platforms, highlighting the contradiction between the Tribune's ideological use and Cuba's current economic needs. The Tribune, one of Fidel Castro's grandiose projects, began construction on January 15, 2000, completed in 80 days by nearly 2,000 workers. It was conceived during the "Battle of Ideas" and the campaign for Elián González's return to Cuba, chosen for its proximity to the former U.S. Interests Section building in Havana.
Since its inauguration, the site has hosted anti-U.S. policy marches and various musical performances. In 2019, the Tribune underwent partial demolition to redesign its structure and replace corroded elements.
FAQs on the Anti-Imperialist Tribune Rental Controversy
Why is the rental of the Anti-Imperialist Tribune controversial?
The rental is controversial because it contrasts with the Tribune's historical use as a site of ideological resistance and political confrontation. It raises concerns about prioritizing economic gains over symbolic and moral values.
What was Ulises Toirac's main argument against the rental?
Toirac argued that renting out the space for profit undermines moral obligations and principles, likening it to renting out one's mother to cover her expenses, a move he considers ethically wrong.
How did the Cuban government respond to the backlash?
In response to the backlash, the Cuban government removed the rental announcement from its website and emphasized that the Tribune would remain a space for political and community activities, not fundamentally changing its purpose.