Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel flew into Holguín on a private jet this Thursday, just a day after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across eastern Cuba.
Photos shared by the Cuban Presidency on social media platform X show Díaz-Canel at the airport, engaging in discussions with local officials. The official statement claims the visit's purpose is to "assess the damage and expedite recovery efforts."
The use of the jet, identified as YV659T, which typically operates between domestic destinations in Cuba without disclosing its passengers or financiers, caught attention in the released videos. This comes at a time when thousands of families are grappling with destroyed homes, power outages, and shortages of food and water.
Díaz-Canel's use of private aircraft is not unprecedented and has sparked controversy before, such as his trip alongside Lis Cuesta to Honduras for the IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) earlier this year, using the same executive jet.
The visit takes place amid a wave of criticism following Díaz-Canel's statements post-hurricane, claiming that "the measures have been effective" and the nation is "ready for recovery."
On state television, Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Communist Party's Secretary of Organization, echoed this sentiment, asserting that "the people acknowledge the work done."
Nonetheless, reports from eastern Cuba depict a starkly different reality, with destroyed homes, isolated communities, and shelters lacking basic supplies.
Activist Amelia Calzadilla accused Díaz-Canel of "declaring victory" without visiting the most affected areas. Others have called for transparency regarding donations and emergency management, questioning the lack of aid in communities where entire families have sought refuge in caves or makeshift shelters.
Citizen reports from Santiago de Cuba, Guamá, and Palma Soriano reveal flooded streets, toppled power lines, torn-off roofs, and isolated communities. In numerous eastern provinces, makeshift shelters lack mattresses, food, or medical care.
Díaz-Canel's arrival in Holguín via private jet amidst this backdrop rekindles criticisms over the privileges of the ruling class and the allocation of resources during crises.
Once again, the scenario unfolds against the backdrop of a natural disaster that has left thousands in distress.
Questions About Díaz-Canel's Visit to Holguín
Why did Díaz-Canel visit Holguín after Hurricane Melissa?
Díaz-Canel visited Holguín to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa and to promote immediate recovery efforts, as stated by the official report.
What controversy surrounds Díaz-Canel's use of a private jet?
The controversy stems from Díaz-Canel's use of a private jet during a time of crisis, highlighting the disparity between the ruling class's privileges and the struggles of ordinary Cubans affected by the hurricane.
How has the public reacted to the government's handling of the hurricane's aftermath?
The public reaction has been critical, with accusations of insufficient transparency, a lack of aid, and premature declarations of success by the government without fully addressing the needs of those most affected.