In a surprising twist, a Cuban Ministry of Communications official who vehemently criticized U.S. Ambassador Mike Hammer on national television has recently urged Cubans to donate foreign currency to "save ETECSA." Tamara Dovale Moisés, known for her staunch defense of the Cuban government, labeled Hammer as a "hypocrite," "monster," and "representative of the most criminal country on the planet" during a broadcast on Cuban Television News, blaming the "blockade" for the country's woes.
“What can he represent, a monster? Because, what is the United States if not a monster that is suffocating us? [...] They want the people to rise up and overthrow the government... but we will continue to resist," Dovale proclaimed, her words steeped in indignation.
However, just days prior, Dovale had taken to Facebook with a puzzling appeal: she proposed that Cubans, both on and off the island, contribute dollars or euros to an ETECSA account. This, she argued, would help the state-run company purchase backup batteries and maintain mobile phone and internet services. “And if we all donated some foreign currency, whoever can, of course [...] from 1 dollar to as much as possible, into an ETECSA account, so they can buy backup batteries, radio bases, etc. [...] Saving ETECSA is thinking as a country,” she wrote.
The proposal starkly contrasts with her fiery denunciation of the United States and the capitalist system. While she denounces the U.S. as an "abuser" and "terrorist," she now asks for money from Cubans, many of whom reside in that very "monster," to support a public enterprise criticized for its high prices and low quality.
Dovale attempts to justify ETECSA's costs with a unique comparison: the price of a "tortita" on the street. “6.5 GB for 360 CUP or 5 tortitas. Think about it,” she noted, referring to the mobile data package offered by the company. This analogy was met with sarcasm by many internet users, who question why a basic telecommunications service is being defended as if it were a culinary luxury.
She also warned of the risk of ETECSA collapsing like the National Electric Union (UNE), leaving entire areas without internet during power outages, a situation she claims is already happening in regions like Pinar del Río due to the lack of supplies "that cost a lot of foreign currency to obtain."
The plea has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where many Cubans pointed out the contradiction of vehemently attacking the United States while relying on the pockets of those living in that country to support a system that offers demands but no solutions.
Understanding the Controversy Around ETECSA and U.S.-Cuba Relations
Who is Tamara Dovale Moisés?
Tamara Dovale Moisés is an official from the Cuban Ministry of Communications known for her strong defense of the Cuban government and her criticism of U.S. policies.
What is ETECSA?
ETECSA is the state-owned telecommunications company in Cuba, responsible for providing mobile and internet services across the island.
Why did Dovale criticize Mike Hammer?
Dovale criticized Mike Hammer, the U.S. Ambassador, as part of a broader denunciation of U.S. policies, blaming the country for Cuba's economic struggles and portraying it as an oppressive force.
What sparked criticism on social media?
Dovale's call for foreign currency donations to ETECSA while simultaneously condemning the U.S. sparked criticism, as many saw it as contradictory and hypocritical.