Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac has called for the cancellation of the planned march on October 28 in Cuba, which is intended to honor Commander Camilo Cienfuegos. Instead, he emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions in response to the ongoing health crisis, chaos in medical services, and the emergency caused by Tropical Storm Melissa.
"On the 28th, any march that is not about taking action on the epidemic, Melissa, and the myriad of issues affecting our people will be counterproductive," he stated on his Facebook page.
Toirac insisted that if any demonstration occurs, it should express solidarity with the Cuban people. "It should not be about banners and congas, but about action. It's time, for God's sake," he added.
His comments sparked widespread support on social media. One user remarked, "They (the government) live in a different reality and are unwilling to relinquish power for the Cuban people."
Others highlighted the severe shortages of medicine, water, food, and electricity, while the Communist Party leadership organizes political events. "This country is in a state of emergency across the board," wrote a user from Baracoa.
The official plan anticipates that over 100,000 Havana residents will participate in the march "against the blockade" and in honor of Camilo Cienfuegos, as part of the Camilo-Che Ideological Journey.
However, the event comes at one of the year's most critical moments, with hospitals overwhelmed by arbovirus outbreaks, power outages lasting up to 18 hours, and the looming threat of Hurricane Melissa. The storm is projected to impact eastern Cuba next Wednesday, bringing torrential rains and destructive winds.
As of now, the government has not announced any specific preventive measures in anticipation of the hurricane.
Last week, Toirac criticized the government for organizing events in support of international causes—such as Venezuela or Palestine—while severe shortages persist within the country. He stressed that the priority should be addressing the multifaceted crisis suffocating Cuba.
He noted that the internal situation seems to provide "the opportunity to mobilize demonstrations of support for... whatever is being supported outside of Cuba," even during working hours, when "the issues […] are not so pressing (especially the economic ones) as to avoid spending and convening."
Similarly, actor Luis Alberto García expressed his opposition to the regime's official marches and platforms, given the current circumstances.
"I sincerely do not believe that this national poly-crisis is the right context for continuing to invent parades and platforms. The country is falling apart. Are those who live in that 'other' dimension not aware? Do they know and still play along?" he wrote on his Facebook profile.
Key Questions About Cuba's Current Crisis
Why is Ulises Toirac against the October 28 march in Cuba?
Ulises Toirac believes that the march would be counterproductive given the pressing issues in Cuba, such as the health crisis and the threat of Hurricane Melissa. He argues that actions are needed instead of demonstrations.
What are some of the critical issues currently facing Cuba?
Cuba is dealing with a severe health crisis, shortages of essential goods like medicine, food, and water, frequent power outages, and the impending impact of Hurricane Melissa.
How has the Cuban government responded to the crisis?
Despite the critical situation, the Cuban government has not announced specific preventive measures for the approaching hurricane, and continues to organize political events instead of addressing the internal crisis.