Social media erupted with laughter and mockery directed at Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife, Lis Cuesta, following an official statement from the Cuban leader. He expressed disapproval over Cuba's exclusion, alongside Venezuela and Nicaragua, from the Tenth Summit of the Americas scheduled for December in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. "We reject the decision imposed by the U.S. on the Dominican Republic to exclude three countries, including #Cuba, from the Tenth Summit of the Americas," Díaz-Canel posted on his official Facebook and X profiles, echoing the stance already announced by the island's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The public's reaction was swift and fierce. Within 24 hours, thousands of comments flooded his posts, most of them critical, sarcastic, and outright offensive. A particularly viral comment came from Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez, who quipped, "Lis Cuesta's shopping spree in La Romana malls is off," referring to her alleged penchant for shopping during official trips.
Comments like "Cry all you want, your trip is canceled for you and Lis," and "Unpack your bags, Lis," filled the pages. Others chimed in with remarks such as, "Were you looking forward to an all-inclusive in Punta Cana? Don’t bother dressing up, you’re not going," or "Worry about the poverty that the Cuban people face, that's what you should be doing," reflecting the general tone of mockery and skepticism towards the official complaint from the regime.
Public Outrage and Criticism
Alongside the mocking, direct criticisms of the Cuban regime were plentiful. "You want to exercise democracy internationally, but domestically you repress and imprison those who think differently. This exclusion is well-deserved," commented one individual. Another added, "It's right not to give dictators space in a summit of democratic countries; let them whine all they want."
The outrage also extended to the daily struggles in Cuba. "We need electricity; this country is a disaster," wrote one Cuban. Another demanded, "Fix Cuba's problems, we're fed up with power outages and poverty. It's been 65 years of this. Enough of the stories. Solve my country's issues and stop the scheming with the U.S. and the Dominican Republic."
The Role of Lis Cuesta
Amidst this wave of criticism, Lis Cuesta's name resurfaced. Although she holds no official position, Cuesta has been widely criticized for her social media presence and posts seen as provocative, especially during crises affecting the Cuban populace.
During official trips, she has been seen wearing international brand accessories and clothing, sparking continuous outrage as her lifestyle starkly contrasts with the widespread poverty. From phones costing over a thousand dollars to designer dresses and luxury watches, her public appearances have been scrutinized and mocked.
At a human development event, Cuesta showcased an Aigner watch, interpreted as yet another sign of the disconnect between the regime's discourse on austerity and its leaders' ostentation.
Reaction to the Summit Exclusion
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Cuba's exclusion from the Tenth Summit, citing the need to "ensure the success of the meeting and prioritize democratic representation." They explained that the three countries were not invited due to their non-membership in the Organization of American States (OAS), the body organizing this hemispheric forum since its inception.
The Dominican government's decision aims to foster greater regional participation without ideological polarization, while maintaining diplomatic relations with the excluded nations.
The Cuban regime quickly responded through the MINREX, denouncing what they called a "surrender" to U.S. pressure and an "ideological offensive," arguing that a summit built on exclusion is destined to fail.
However, the flood of public mockery and criticism has overshadowed the official tone. For many Cubans, what truly bothers the regime is not the diplomatic snub but the loss of another international stage to flaunt, shop, and indulge in luxury. A recurring phrase on social media captures the popular sentiment: "Their shopping plans have been dashed. Let them stay in Cuba... with the people they so often ignore."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Exclusion from the Summit
Why was Cuba excluded from the Tenth Summit of the Americas?
Cuba was excluded from the summit because it is not an active member of the Organization of American States (OAS), which coordinates the forum. The Dominican Republic, the host country, aimed to prioritize democratic representation and reduce ideological polarization.
What was the public's reaction in Cuba to the exclusion?
The Cuban public reacted with widespread mockery and criticism on social media, targeting both the regime and Lis Cuesta for her perceived lavish lifestyle. Many comments highlighted the disconnect between the regime's rhetoric and the reality faced by the Cuban people.
How did the Cuban government respond to the exclusion?
The Cuban government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the exclusion as a capitulation to U.S. pressure and labeled it an ideological offensive. They argued that a summit built on exclusion is destined to fail.