A video released by the Cuban Presidency on Thursday showcasing Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Guantánamo has ignited a wave of outrage on social media. Thousands of Cubans have taken to the internet to question the seemingly enthusiastic reception portrayed in the footage.
The video depicts the Cuban leader approaching a crowd of residents who greet him, touch him, and repeatedly chant: “For whatever you need, Canel, for whatever you need.” This chorus, presented by official communication as a sign of unity and support amidst tragedy, was perceived by many users as an image detached from the harsh reality faced by the island.
The Presidency reported that Díaz-Canel toured severely impacted communities in the municipality of El Salvador, where thousands of homes suffered damage, and issues with water, electricity, and dengue persist. According to official figures, over 15,000 homes were affected, and just over 4,000 have been restored.
Despite this, the government publication emphasizes phrases of "honor," "courage," and "revolutionary spirit" from the people of Guantánamo while showing the president amid applause and slogans.
This portrayal, in a region plagued by hunger, collapsed roofs, resource-strapped families, and weeks without electricity, fueled the anger of many Cubans who feel the video attempts to construct an image of unanimous support that does not align with the severity of the situation.
The comments served as a true gauge of discontent. More than six thousand users reacted, mostly to criticize the scene:
Many lamented that despite the territory's misery, there were individuals "thanking" the person responsible for the crisis: "Starving and needy, and still shouting nonsense, that's why they have to be like this," one user criticized.
Others noted that resignation is part of the poverty cycle: "Humans live as they think... we deserve what we have."
Several expressed that such images "sap hope" and depict a country "without future and without memory."
Some claimed that the supposed support is manipulated: "That's a small group of militants, look closely at the video: the real people are behind, unable to get close."
A particularly common comment was: "That's why I don't donate anything... there you have 'for whatever you need,'" a reaction from the indignant diaspora upon seeing images of government support in one of the country's poorest provinces.
The chant in the video is not new: it was one of the slogans when the 11J protests began, as the government attempted to mobilize supporters to counter the demonstrations.
Its reappearance now, in a province devastated and with families desperate to rebuild their homes, for many, only confirms the political exploitation of hardship.
"It's the height of irony to applaud pain and misery," wrote one user.
"Thanking poverty to one of those who caused it," said another.
"Every nation gets what it deserves... if they're happy this way, long live the Caesar," one user sarcastically remarked.
FAQs on Díaz-Canel’s Visit to Guantánamo
What was the purpose of Díaz-Canel's visit to Guantánamo?
Díaz-Canel visited Guantánamo to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa and to show support for the affected communities.
Why did the video of Díaz-Canel's visit cause outrage?
The video caused outrage because many felt it portrayed an unrealistic image of unanimous support, which did not reflect the severe challenges faced by the residents of Guantánamo.
How many homes were affected by Hurricane Melissa in Guantánamo?
Over 15,000 homes were affected by Hurricane Melissa in Guantánamo, with more than 4,000 having been restored so far.