Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Secretary of Organization for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), stated on the state-run Caribe channel's Round Table discussion that after Hurricane Melissa's devastation, “the Cuban people and the impacted provinces recognize the overall work that has been done.”
During his address, the head of the Political Ideological Work Body noted that “we have been monitoring all networks and the public opinion system,” suggesting that “this also indicates the effectiveness with which our plans have been carried out.” He further emphasized that “the public's opinion and what can be observed on social media are also signs of trust in the Party, the Government, and each of its institutions.”
Morales Ojeda's comments followed a statement by the ruling leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, on his X account, where he claimed that “the measures have been effective” and the nation is “ready for recovery” following the “significant damage” caused by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern region. The leader mentioned that “control over the situation is maintained” and “we have prepared for the worst-case scenario.”
However, these assertions sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with numerous users reporting unattended emergencies, impromptu evacuations, and inadequate assistance. Activist Amelia Calzadilla accused him of “declaring victory” without verifying the actual situation in the eastern part of the country, urging him to ask the public whether they truly feel the measures have been effective.
Before the cyclone's impact, Raúl Castro had addressed the nation, expressing “satisfaction with the responsible work and level of preparation” and assuring that “we will also emerge victorious from this new challenge.” The triumphant tone of Raúl Castro's speech, along with Díaz-Canel's and Morales Ojeda's statements, starkly contrasts with reports from citizens in the hardest-hit provinces, where Hurricane Melissa left homes destroyed, power outages, flooded streets, and a shortage of basic resources.
Public Perception and Government Response to Hurricane Melissa
How did Cuban officials describe the government's response to Hurricane Melissa?
Cuban officials, including Roberto Morales Ojeda and Miguel Díaz-Canel, described the government's response as effective, claiming that the measures taken were successful and that the nation was ready for recovery.
What criticisms were made about the government's handling of the hurricane's aftermath?
Critics on social media reported unattended emergencies, makeshift evacuations, and a lack of sufficient assistance. Activists accused the government of declaring success without adequately assessing the real conditions on the ground.