Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, the national coordinator for the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), recently expressed his backing for Cuban actor Jorge Perugorría. This support emerged after Perugorría held the Trump administration accountable for exacerbating Cuba’s ongoing crisis.
Through a Facebook post, Hernández praised the actor’s courage in voicing opinions on the country's situation while criticizing those who now question him for his statements.
"I admire Jorge Perugorría not only as a cultural icon but also as an artist who fearlessly speaks his mind, whether here or 'over there,'" Hernández stated.
Hernández noted that he has often heard Perugorría criticize certain internal issues within Cuba and emphasized that when he does so, many who now oppose him often applauded his stance.
"When he does, many who now criticize him used to praise him," Hernández asserted.
Additionally, he accused certain groups of only defending freedom of expression when it involves criticizing the Cuban government, but not when it involves questioning the U.S. embargo or its policies towards the Island.
"Some only champion 'freedom of expression' when it's against Cuba, yet they lack the courage to criticize even the embargo that aims to suffocate our people," he wrote.
Hernández further mentioned that these criticisms were absent during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain silent amid the current crisis.
"They didn't speak up when we were denied ventilators during COVID, nor will they now when our hospitals lack power and medicine," he added.
He concluded his post by quoting Cuban national hero José Martí: "When there are many men without honor, there are always others who bear the honor of many."
Gerardo Hernández is among the members of "The Five," a group of Cuban agents who served sentences in the United States for espionage and later returned to the Island. He currently serves as the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, a crucial pillar of Cuba’s political system.
Perugorría’s Criticism at the Málaga Film Festival
Hernández's comments responded to recent statements by Jorge Perugorría during the Málaga Film Festival, where he presented the film "Neurótica Anónima," co-directed with Cuban actress Mirtha Ibarra.
In a press conference, Perugorría claimed that Trump’s policies have aggravated Cuba's hardships. He described Washington’s actions as an attempt to "strangle" the Island, pushing it towards a "humanitarian crisis."
"We are in the worst moment in our country's history," the actor declared, partially attributing the severity to U.S. pressure on Havana.
Perugorría also highlighted how the economic and social crisis affects daily life and the cultural sector, particularly the film industry. He recounted halting a film shoot recently due to fuel shortages.
"I was supposed to start filming a movie last week, but we had to stop because there's no fuel, and the little available is prioritized for essential services like hospitals," he told EFE.
The actor further explained that audiovisual production has drastically decreased, with only "four or five" films being made last year due to a lack of resources.
Daily Struggles in Cuba
During the same event, actress Mirtha Ibarra depicted the challenging everyday conditions in Cuba.
She reported severe difficulties in accessing basic services: "We're without water, without electricity, enduring blackouts lasting up to 48 hours. The country is on its knees," she stated.
The remarks by Perugorría and Ibarra reignited a common debate between opposition groups and segments of the Cuban cultural sphere regarding the roots of the country's crisis.
Perugorría, one of Cuban cinema’s most renowned figures, has consistently argued that the U.S. embargo plays a critical role in the Island’s economic challenges, aligning with the regime’s narrative.
The artist was also visibly involved during the protests on November 27, 2020, outside the Ministry of Culture, acting as a mediator in talks between authorities and artists demanding more freedoms.
Currently, Perugorría is engaged in various cultural and business projects in Havana, including the Yarini bar-restaurant and other venues linked to the city’s cultural circuit. He continues to work as an actor, film director, and visual artist, blending his creative endeavors with managing cultural initiatives in the Cuban capital.
Impact of U.S. Policies on Cuba's Crisis
How has the U.S. embargo affected Cuba's economy?
The U.S. embargo is often cited as a significant factor in Cuba's economic difficulties, restricting trade and access to essential goods, which exacerbates the country's existing challenges.
What was the response to Perugorría's criticisms?
Perugorría's criticisms reignited debates about the reasons behind Cuba’s crisis, with some supporting his views on the embargo's impact and others focusing on internal governance issues.