Cuban entrepreneur Iván Herrera, the founder and CEO of the U.S.-based company Univista Insurance, has publicly challenged Díaz-Canel to a debate and demanded his resignation. Herrera made this bold statement during a live interview with CiberCuba after returning from Washington D.C., where he attended the annual fundraising dinner for the National Republican Congressional Committee and met with State Department officials and congress members.
The immediate catalyst for Herrera's challenge was Díaz-Canel's interview with Pablo Iglesias on Canal Red, which Herrera dismissed as a "monologue" lacking any tough questions.
"I invite Díaz-Canel to a debate to see if he can deceive me. I spent 23 years of my life living under that dictatorship," Herrera declared. "I challenge you to a debate, Díaz-Canel, or to anything you choose. You pick the weapons because what you're doing to the Cuban people is truly sad."
From Immigrant to Successful Entrepreneur
Born in Alquízar, Artemisa, in 1973, Herrera was invited by the Republican Party's president to share his story before the Republican Congress with the President of the United States in attendance. He spoke for seven minutes about his journey from immigrant to the founder of a nearly billion-dollar enterprise, boasting over 300 offices and 3,000 employees.
Beyond the debate challenge, Herrera directly urged the Cuban dictator to step down: "Díaz-Canel, leave, start by getting out. You and your wife, go away."
Calling Out Corruption
Herrera also called on Díaz-Canel to "betray his masters" and expose the internal corruption of the regime, describing it as a structure where Díaz-Canel is merely "a puppet."
Regarding the possibility of military intervention in Cuba, Herrera did not rule it out. "That's always been on the table," he asserted, likening the potential fate of the Cuban leader to that of Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein. "They all share the same story," he warned.
Optimism for Cuban Freedom
Returning from Washington on Thursday, Herrera brought back a message of optimism for the Cuban exile community. He sensed a strong commitment from Republican congress members to Cuba's freedom, assuring them that change on the island would come at no cost to the U.S. government.
"Cuba wants to produce," he told them. He also mentioned his close relationship with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has visited his home several times.
Herrera traveled to the U.S. capital with two nearly 90-year-old exile activists: Remedios Díaz-Oliver and Lilliam S. Machado, widows of known anti-communist fighters. He also referenced activist Antonio (Tony) Costa, 83, who has taken the Cuban doctors' trafficking case to court, quoting him: "I'm delaying my death to see a free Cuba."
No Investment Under Current Regime
Herrera categorically rejected any investment in Cuba under the current regime, in response to the Cuban government's calls to the diaspora. "Not a single cent of investment" from American entrepreneurs will go to Cuba until Cubans are free, he reiterated.
He set a definitive timeline for political change on the island: "I believe it won't take longer than this year. If the year passes and it doesn't happen, and with this Administration it doesn't happen, we can forget about Cuba," he concluded.
Iván Herrera's Stand on Cuba's Future
What challenge did Iván Herrera issue to Díaz-Canel?
Iván Herrera challenged Díaz-Canel to a public debate and demanded his resignation from power.
How does Herrera view Díaz-Canel's leadership?
Herrera views Díaz-Canel as a puppet in a corrupt regime and has urged him to expose the internal corruption.
What was Herrera's message to the Cuban exile community?
Herrera conveyed optimism for Cuban freedom, sensing a strong commitment from U.S. Republican congress members to support this cause without financial cost to the U.S. government.