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Díaz-Canel's Visit to Guáimaro: A Facade Hiding the Real Struggles

Sunday, June 22, 2025 by Emma Garcia

During a recent visit to Guáimaro, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel was accused of being part of a meticulously orchestrated showcase. According to a local known as Cubanforever91, the preparations for Díaz-Canel's arrival at the Rincón del Lago local development project included erecting fences, setting up decorations, and planting guava trees to create an illusion of prosperity. "They even filled a reservoir with water trucks while genuine farmers are still begging for water to grow their crops, and the townspeople remain without a drop to drink," the resident reported. "They squandered 400 liters of diesel fuel during an ongoing crisis," he added.

The display was allegedly orchestrated for Díaz-Canel to step out of his vehicle, spend a mere five minutes posing for photographs, and then leave. The main actor in this charade was identified as Lier Borrero Reyna, the owner of Rincón del Lago, sarcastically called the "new dry stick hero." The user mocked the regime's claims of an "agricultural revolution."

Further allegations arose when it was revealed that Yuliet, a mother of four from La Sapera, was confined to her home to prevent her from speaking out during Díaz-Canel's visit. "They silenced her. Isolated her. Only when the show packed up and left was she released. And yet, they shamelessly speak of 'demographic policy' as if they truly cared," the user declared.

Such elaborate facades are not uncommon during visits from Cuban leaders, where resources are lavishly expended to create picturesque scenes meant solely for cameras and propaganda. In March, residents of Baire in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, reported that state officials installed a street lamp for an event attended by Díaz-Canel, only to remove it after the photographs were taken, leaving the neighborhood in darkness once again.

Late last year, in Calixto García municipality, Holguín, local authorities scrambled to impress the president by resurrecting an "abandoned" dairy farm, further illustrating the lengths to which the regime will go to maintain appearances.

Insights on Díaz-Canel's Stage-Managed Visits

What actions were taken in Guáimaro ahead of Díaz-Canel's visit?

In preparation for Díaz-Canel's visit, fences were erected, decorations set up, guava trees planted, and a reservoir was filled with trucked-in water to create a false image of prosperity.

How did the authorities handle dissent during Díaz-Canel's visit?

Authorities reportedly confined Yuliet, a mother of four, to her home to prevent her from speaking out during the visit, only releasing her after Díaz-Canel had left.

Are such staged visits common in Cuba?

Yes, it is common for resources to be wasted on creating scenic facades for visits by Cuban leaders, often at the expense of local needs and during times of crisis.

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