Gerardo Hernández, a former Cuban spy and the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), has come under fire for endorsing a privately-owned establishment that renovated a prominent corner in Havana. In a Facebook post, Hernández praised the "revitalization" of the corner at Zapata and Paseo, sharing a photo of the brightly lit Papi Rey café, with its name in neon lights.
Claiming ignorance of the café's nature—despite the glaring neon signage—Hernández defended himself against the flood of criticism for promoting a private business that offers snacks, burgers, salads, pizzas, and pasta at prices affordable to only a few in Cuba. Critics pointed out the irony of celebrating the well-lit establishment when much of the island is plagued by power outages. "I simply passed by and was struck by the rebirth of a corner that was once in ruins. I took a photo and captioned it: 'A corner reborn...'. I didn't mention what operates there because I didn't know, nor was it my intention," justified the former spy.
An Elite Business in a Troubled Economy
Online commentators questioned why Hernández didn't consider to whom the business might belong, given its prime location. "It must belong to someone important. On the same Avenida Paseo, they managed to change its name and have exorbitant prices. Rumor has it, it's a front for money laundering," one user commented.
Most agree that the business is owned by the same individual behind the café at the corner of 25 and G, Rey & Gaby, whose partner has a spot in Havana's airport. "How is it possible that in such a challenging Cuba, these businesses can thrive?" they asked.
According to Hernández, he is unaware of the prices offered there or the taxes and "social contributions to the municipality" paid by the business. "I don't know if they have a power generator or use energy-efficient LED lighting, nor if there are usually lines or not... I simply assume that if it's so 'visible,' it was done in compliance with our laws," he wrote. Cubans, however, challenged his assertions about the business operating within legal bounds.
Cuban Citizens Question Business Legitimacy
"Hardly anyone goes there and it doesn't go under because the few who do, the elite of the country... cover the costs... But the question is... How can they have prices above the approved 30% profit margin and inspectors don't crack down? Simple... Inspectors don't visit there," one critic stated. The café has been around for nearly a year, according to internet users, and is owned by individuals with connections to the regime's upper echelons.
"It has heavyweight owners, located at 29 and Paseo, a prime area, just blocks from the Plaza de la Revolución, a required route for presidential motorcades, not just anyone can set up shop there," someone else pointed out.
The café's prices, which Hernández celebrated, range from a thousand for drinks to double that for burgers, pizzas, and salads. The menu features a wide array of foods and boasts a delivery service. Recently, there's been a decline in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cuba due to a mix of economic and political factors, including economic crisis, recession, inflation, and government restrictions on wholesale trade. These issues have severely impacted sectors like hotels, restaurants, and commerce. This raises the question of how a private business can survive in a central street with access to varied food suppliers.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Gerardo Hernández and Private Business in Cuba
Why is Gerardo Hernández facing criticism?
Gerardo Hernández is criticized for endorsing a private business that renovated a site in Havana, seen as promoting elitism in a country where most people cannot afford such luxuries.
What is the significance of the café's location?
The café is located at a prime spot in Havana, suggesting it is owned by individuals with significant connections, as such locations are typically reserved for influential figures.
How are private businesses affected by Cuba's current economic situation?
Private businesses in Cuba are struggling due to a combination of economic recession, inflation, and governmental restrictions, leading to a decline in small and medium-sized enterprises.