Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel extended Father's Day wishes to Cuban fathers, but many citizens reminded him that under his rule, there is little reason to celebrate. Díaz-Canel posted a message on X, featuring a card from him, his wife Lis Cuesta, and their family, showcasing three generations of Cuban farmers.
"For over a century, the Ortúzar family has cultivated the soil of Pinar del Río with sacrifice, innovation, and love for Cuba. A father, a Hero of Labor, inspires two generations to uphold the tradition. Congratulations to Cuban fathers who instill virtue in their descendants," the card reads.
However, beyond the regime's propaganda, many Cubans experience this day with sorrow. "On a day like today, under a dictatorship, despair is palpable. Fathers are separated from their children due to forced exile, imprisoned for divergent thoughts, or have nothing to offer because a regime has stolen their dreams. This is the reality of today's Cuba—a nation without a future. #FailedState," an internet user responded.
An example of such struggling fathers is Wilber Aguilar Bravo, father of Cuban political prisoner Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera. Recently, Wilber visited his son in prison and called for freedom for both Cuba and Walnier on this significant day.
"Cuban fathers have either starved to death or succumbed to sadness because their children had to flee your dictatorship," another user remarked.
Independent media outlet La Hora de Cuba highlighted several fathers currently imprisoned in Cuba for political reasons. These Cuban fathers are political prisoners. The outlet named figures such as José Daniel Ferrer García, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Jorge Martín Perdomo, Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Yosvany Rosell García, Nadir Martín Perdomo, Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo Pérez, Yadir Ayala Ibáñez, Roberto Pérez Fonseca, Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez García, and Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera.
"Shame on a dictatorship that tears fathers from their children," stated a post from the independent media outlet.
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Fathers
Why did Miguel Díaz-Canel's Father's Day message face criticism?
Díaz-Canel's message was criticized because many Cubans feel there's little to celebrate under his regime, which is marked by political repression, forced exile, and economic hardship.
Who are some of the Cuban fathers mentioned as political prisoners?
Names of Cuban fathers recognized as political prisoners include José Daniel Ferrer García, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, and Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, among others.
What is the significance of the Ortúzar family mentioned in Díaz-Canel's message?
The Ortúzar family is highlighted as a symbol of dedication to agriculture in Cuba, with three generations contributing to the tradition. This narrative was used in Díaz-Canel's message as a representation of Cuban virtue and hard work.