Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban head of state, announced on Thursday the passing of Abraham Maciques, who once led the Palco Business Group and was a significant player in Cuba's economic landscape for many years. "The Revolution has lost a loyal supporter and effective businessman. A collaborator of Fidel and Celia, Abraham Maciques was a fighter, diplomat, and pioneer: from the Zapata Swamp to the Convention Palace, in Science, Tourism, and Trade," Díaz-Canel expressed on his X account, extending condolences to his family and friends.
The Palco Business Group also publicly mourned the loss of its founder. "Our Business Group deeply regrets the passing of Abraham Maciques Maciques, a founding and indispensable figure in Palco's history," stated a brief announcement.
For years, Maciques was the public face of Palco, a powerful state entity managing the Havana Convention Palace and offering exclusive services to government officials, foreign delegations, and entrepreneurs. His position granted him substantial influence in the Cuban parallel economic model, where business, military, and political interests intertwined.
Born in Matanzas to a Jewish family, Maciques met Fidel Castro in 1959 while serving as the deputy director of Tourism in his province, a relationship pivotal to his political and business ascent. Fidel assigned him to the Zapata Swamp, where he was caught in the Bay of Pigs invasion, solidifying his ties with the revolutionary leadership.
His close relationship with Fidel Castro and Celia Sánchez propelled him to lead Cubalse and oversee the construction of the Convention Palace. He later rose to preside over Cubanacán S.A., a critical player in Cuba's tourism development during the 1980s. However, in 1995, he faced a setback linked to American fraudster Robert Vesco and the failed Troxidal vaccine for HIV. Though dismissed, his connection with Fidel spared him from severe repercussions, allowing him to return to the Convention Palace.
From there, he expanded his network of state-run businesses, including hotels, restaurants, real estate, and service agencies. Palco became a crucial component of Cuba's state economic power, especially after the Soviet collapse, facilitating foreign currency operations.
In June 2021, Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Prime Minister, removed Maciques in a restructuring that diminished Palco's scope, transferring some operations to the military conglomerate GAESA. His departure was attributed to internal pressures and a realignment of loyalties within the regime. In recent years, Maciques faded from the public eye, with little known about his activities or influence. His death marks the end of an era for the business elite directly tied to Fidel Castro and signifies a closure of a chapter within Cuba's parallel power structures.
Impact of Abraham Maciques on Cuba's Economy
Who was Abraham Maciques?
Abraham Maciques was a former director of the Palco Business Group and a key figure in Cuba's economic scene for decades. He was known for his close ties with Fidel Castro and his influential role in the country's economic model.
What was Palco's role in Cuba?
Palco was a powerful state entity that managed the Havana Convention Palace, providing exclusive services to government officials and foreign delegates. It played a crucial role in Cuba's parallel economic model, facilitating operations in foreign currencies.
How did Maciques impact the Cuban tourism industry?
Maciques significantly influenced the Cuban tourism industry by leading Cubanacán S.A., a major player in the country's tourism development during the 1980s, and expanding his network of state-run businesses in the sector.