Cuban comedian Rigoberto Ferrera has taken a stand against Labor and Social Security Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera following her recent remarks denying the existence of beggars in Cuba. Ferrera questioned in a video on Instagram, "They claim there are no beggars in Cuba, just people dressed as beggars... Could it be that there are also people dressed as ministers?"
Accompanying the post was a bold statement that resonated with his followers: "They have no shame."
Minister's Controversial Statements
The comedian's reaction came after Feitó Cabrera's comments during the regime's parliamentary sessions on Monday, where she asserted that those seen on the streets in vulnerable conditions aren't genuinely homeless but have found an easy way to make money without working.
"We've seen people who appear to be beggars, but when you look at their hands, their clothes... they're disguised as beggars," the official stated.
Outrage Among Cuban Artists
Feitó Cabrera also mocked those rummaging for food in trash bins, claiming they aren't driven by hunger: "Divers are in the water. Those in the garbage bins looking for cans aren't searching for food. These are patterns imposed on us."
The controversial declarations sparked a wave of criticism on social media, particularly among Cuban artists and comedians.
Luis Silva, creator of the beloved character Pánfilo, responded with a musical satire titled "They Weren't Beggars, They Were in Disguise," a parody of the song El muerto vivo.
Additionally, comedian Ulises Toirac expressed his outrage on Facebook using the hashtag #YoSoyMendigo. "I must be one disguised to evade taxes, but I wouldn’t make it to the end of the month without help. We might have clothes that aren't typical of beggars and hands that don't look like beggars', but most of us don't live off our sweat," Toirac wrote.
The Harsh Economic Reality
Feitó's statements starkly contrast with the country's harsh economic reality. According to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, a staggering 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty.
Understanding the Economic Hardships in Cuba
What did Rigoberto Ferrera say about the Cuban Labor Minister's comments?
Ferrera criticized the minister's claim that there are no beggars in Cuba, suggesting instead that there might be people disguised as ministers.
How did other Cuban artists react to the minister's statements?
Artists like Luis Silva and Ulises Toirac expressed their indignation through satire and social media, mocking the minister's comments about beggars and poverty.
What is the economic situation in Cuba according to recent reports?
Reports indicate that 89% of Cuban families are living in extreme poverty, highlighting the severe economic challenges faced by the population.