Last Friday, a Cuban woman known as Kiele on Instagram released a video addressing Greta Thunberg's comments on Cuba. The Swedish climate activist had recently labeled the U.S. embargo as a "brutal act of collective punishment" and voiced her support for an international convoy heading to Havana.
The video, titled "A response to @gretathunberg from an Actual Cuban," quickly garnered nearly 39,000 views, over 6,500 likes, and 534 comments. Kiele, who identifies as the wife of a U.S. military officer and a freedom advocate, systematically counters Thunberg's claims with a clear message: "We need to talk about what's happening in Cuba right now. We need to discuss how you, Greta, should mind your own business and educate yourself about the current reality in Cuba."
The Voice of Cuban Resistance
Kiele Alessandra Cabrera, a young Cuban-American, made headlines on May 31, 2021, during the Americas Baseball Pre-Olympic in West Palm Beach, Florida. She stormed the field during the Cuba-Venezuela game, holding a sign that read "Free Cuba" alongside an image of a fist in handcuffs—a symbol popularized by rapper Maykel Osorbo.
A student at the University of Florida and the daughter of a 1994 refugee, Kiele's family history is steeped in defiance. Her grandfather was tortured under Batista and later rebelled against Fidel, while her grandmother opposed the coup as a union activist. As police escorted her off the field amidst applause, she shouted, "Cubans, do not be afraid, for you have only one life."
Thunberg's Controversial Remarks
The catalyst for Kiele's response was Thunberg's public statement on March 12, where the Swedish activist endorsed the Convoy Nuestra América. This international initiative plans to reach Havana's Malecón on March 21. Thunberg also praised Cuban medical missions in countries like Angola and Jamaica, concluding her message with the slogan: "Cuba sí, bloqueo no!" The convoy has the backing of figures such as Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
Kiele fundamentally rejects this narrative. "The suffering of the Cuban people is a direct result of the Cuban state's mismanagement. The Castro regime and its military apparatus are worth billions, while the average Cuban struggles to scavenge for food and survive the communist rationing system," she argues in the video.
Exposing the Truth Behind Medical Missions
Regarding the medical missions, Kiele is unequivocal: "There is extensive documentation that these Cuban medical missions are a front for state-organized human trafficking." The U.S. State Department's TIP Report indeed classifies this program as human trafficking, documenting that between 75% and 95% of doctors' salaries are withheld, and their passports confiscated.
Kiele also questions Thunberg's consistency: "Isn't it ironic that the people you claim are being strangled by Trump's wars are applauding their military actions?" She accuses Thunberg of parroting slogans without understanding reality: "It's so obvious that you've been coached by your communist handlers to repeat slogans like 'let Cuba live' and 'stop strangling Cuba.'"
Protests and a Call for Awareness
The video came amid a wave of protests shaking Cuba since the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras power plant on March 8, causing blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day. Last Friday, protesters in Morón set the local Communist Party headquarters ablaze; this Sunday, Santiago de Cuba residents shouted "Down with the dictatorship!" and "Freedom!" in the early hours. Justice 11J estimates at least 760 political prisoners on the island.
Kiele concluded her message with a straightforward plea: "Do all Cubans a favor, Greta, and mind your own business. Long live Free Cuba!"
Understanding the Cuban Reality
What prompted Kiele to respond to Greta Thunberg?
Kiele responded to Greta Thunberg following the activist's comments labeling the U.S. embargo on Cuba as a "brutal act of collective punishment" and her support for an international convoy to Havana.
What is Kiele's main argument against Thunberg's stance on Cuba?
Kiele argues that the Cuban people's suffering is a direct result of the regime's mismanagement and not the U.S. embargo. She emphasizes the regime's wealth in contrast to the poverty of the average Cuban.
How does Kiele describe the Cuban medical missions?
Kiele claims that Cuban medical missions are a cover for state-organized human trafficking, with evidence showing significant portions of doctors' salaries being withheld and their passports confiscated.