Johana Tablada, the Deputy Director General for the U.S. Division at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, publicly voiced her discontent on Tuesday, aligning with the official backlash against Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó's contentious comments regarding alleged "disguised beggars" in Cuba.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Tablada declared her outrage, stating she was "indignant since yesterday, like most Cubans," in response to what she described as "insensitive, unacceptable, and deplorable statements" from a "high-ranking official," implicitly referencing Feitó. "I don't doubt she may have done good work at some point, but her mistake is very serious and hurts us all," the diplomat wrote.
Tablada also expressed her hope for a new leader to take charge of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, citing the position as "sensitive" and deserving of the "best" leadership. She praised Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel for distancing himself from the scandal, noting his statement that "poverty cannot be criminalized." Tablada viewed his response as "quick and appropriate," underscoring that he "stands with his people, with the Revolution," as he has on many occasions.
However, in her post, Tablada intertwined her condemnation of Feitó with a direct attack on the Cuban opposition, exiles, and U.S. policy, asserting she rejects criticism from those who, in her view, support the "blockade" or remain silent about abuses elsewhere. "How touching are those who post every 10 minutes pretending to care about poverty in Cuba but don't speak out against or criticize the atrocities over there due to hypocrisy, fear, or complicity," she wrote sarcastically.
Tablada defended the regime against those who, she claims, create difficulties in Cuba only to then criticize it. She also took aim at exile figures like Marco Rubio, María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Ted Cruz, labeling them as "scoundrels of the same artificial and foul ilk."
Tablada's reaction adds to the public outcry over Minister Feitó's assertion during a parliamentary session that some individuals begging or scavenging might be "disguised" to avoid working. The uproar has not only spread across social media—where journalists, artists, and citizens have shared images and testimonies of increasing homelessness in Cuba—but has also tarnished the state apparatus's image, prompting high-ranking officials like Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero to issue corrective statements.
Rather than acknowledging the rise in poverty and homelessness as a byproduct of Cuba's severe economic crisis, several regime spokespeople have chosen to politicize the scandal, directing their rhetoric against critics from the exile community or opposition, sidestepping a serious address of the underlying issues.
Questions about Cuba's Political Climate
What was Johana Tablada's reaction to Marta Elena Feitó's comments?
Johana Tablada expressed outrage and described Feitó's comments as insensitive and unacceptable. She also hoped for new leadership in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
How did Miguel Díaz-Canel respond to the controversy?
Miguel Díaz-Canel distanced himself from the controversy, emphasizing that poverty should not be criminalized, which Tablada praised as a quick and appropriate response.
What criticism did Tablada direct toward the Cuban opposition and exiles?
Tablada criticized the Cuban opposition and exiles for allegedly supporting the "blockade" and for failing to speak out against abuses elsewhere, accusing them of hypocrisy and complicity.