On Sunday, a significant gathering of Freemasons at Cuba's Grand Lodge successfully voted to remove Grand Master Mayker Filema Duarte. This decision came after Filema refused to call for elections for the institution's senior positions. The ousting followed demands by 121 Grand Lodge members and 117 lodge representatives from across the nation for an extraordinary session, as reported by the independent outlet, Cubanet.
In response to Filema's removal, the assembly appointed Juan Alberto Kessel Linares, the current Deputy Grand Master, to serve in the interim until general elections are held in September. This was confirmed by Cubanet's report.
One Freemason interviewed by Cubanet described the event as historic, noting that all legal avenues had been exhausted. "We tried every legal and even non-traditional method to uphold our will and respect our legislation, but Filema refused. His disrespect became clear, and, worse, the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) supported him, creating unnecessary conflict. Cuban Freemasons are the true owners of this institution, and we are bound by our oaths and current legislation. We will not bow to government control," said the source.
Although Filema and his officials did not attend the session, the lodges were determined to restore justice and rectify the Grand Master's unlawful actions. Reports also indicated that Filema had ordered the closure of all Lodge facilities, prompting the Freemasons to gather outside the theater, near the statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. The session proceeded under heavy police surveillance.
Background to the Masonic Conflict
Weeks prior, Filema had suspended a session of the Masonic High Chamber, the institution's legislative body, during which elections for top Lodge positions were supposed to occur. This move, as Cubanet reported, extended his "dictatorship" and perpetuated "illegality within the Institution."
A decree obtained by the media outlet revealed that Filema Duarte claimed conditions were unsuitable to resume the session, initially suspended on March 23. He justified the suspension by citing the need to prevent potential "public scandals" that could further tarnish the Institution's already damaged image.
Previously, he had warned of "personal threats" against him and the potential for "vandalism" allegedly promoted by independent media, which he deemed "unbecoming" of Freemasons attempting to discredit the institution.
Filema Duarte's appointment as Grand Master occurred following Mario Urquía Carreño's resignation amid a corruption scandal involving the misappropriation of thousands of dollars and over 4 million pesos from the Lodge. Despite the High Chamber setting a six-month term limit on his position until general elections, Filema postponed the agreed-upon session.
Cubanet disclosed that Freemasons had provided documents and evidence to the Ministry of Justice, illustrating Filema Duarte's illegal actions in refusing to hold elections. Nonetheless, Miriam García, Director of Associations at MINJUS, ignored their claims and supported Filema Duarte's process.
Understanding the Masonic Lodge's Leadership Crisis
What led to the removal of Mayker Filema Duarte as Grand Master?
Mayker Filema Duarte was removed after refusing to hold elections for senior positions within the Grand Lodge, despite demands from its members. His actions were seen as extending his "dictatorship" and perpetuating illegal practices within the institution.
Who has been appointed as the interim Grand Master?
Juan Alberto Kessel Linares, the current Deputy Grand Master, has been appointed as the interim Grand Master until general elections can be held in September.
How did the Ministry of Justice respond to the Freemasons' claims?
Despite receiving documents and evidence from the Freemasons about Filema Duarte's illegal actions, the Ministry of Justice, under Miriam García's direction, supported Filema Duarte's process and ignored the claims.