In a recent interview with the Colombian channel Red+ Noticias, Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro and a Cuban influencer, openly admitted that two key pillars of the revolutionary narrative—medicine and sports—have significantly deteriorated in Cuba.
When asked about aspects of his grandfather's legacy that have lost relevance, Sandro stated, "We've lost many positive things like values, principles, loyalty, and unity among Cubans. There's been a lot of hatred created, and certain things such as medicine and sports haven't maintained their potential. Yes, there are parts of the legacy that should be revived."
During the same conversation, Sandro highlighted the immense challenges of entrepreneurship in Cuba, citing bureaucracy and an energy crisis as major obstacles. He described the need for economic opening as "an urgent necessity, my friend. Urgent, urgent."
Sandro, who is deeply connected to the revolutionary legacy, did not hesitate to acknowledge the country's dire state: "There is a collapse, a real collapse, but not one that will last forever."
The interview, conducted from Havana, was repeatedly interrupted by power outages, unintentionally highlighting the crisis Sandro was discussing.
Subtle Criticism and Challenges
Regarding his stance on the government, Sandro mentioned that he makes "subliminal and subtle" criticisms because "I respect the government since I live on the island," yet he insisted that his last name does not afford him any special privileges: "No, not at all. I feel proud to be a common citizen. 100% Cuban."
The decline Sandro refers to is backed by alarming statistics. By 2026, over 70% of essential medications are unavailable in Cuba. Infant mortality has more than doubled since 2018—from 3.9 to 8.2 per thousand live births—and 96,000 Cubans are awaiting surgeries, including 11,000 children.
In February 2026, the Cuban Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged that the healthcare system was nearing collapse. Between 2021 and 2022, Cuba lost approximately 12,000 doctors, 7,414 nurses, and 3,000 dentists to emigration.
Sports and National Pride
As for sports, the exodus of talent to Major League Baseball and other foreign leagues has left the national team far from its dominant position in the 1980s and 1990s when Cuba reigned supreme in international tournaments.
In October 2025, Sandro posted on Instagram, "Revolutionary yes. Communist no. I respect my country and government," asserting that his life plan remains rooted in staying on the island: "Cuba. In Cuba 100%. I love being in my country."
The Red+ Noticias interview came on the heels of another controversial conversation with CNN, which stirred debate among Cubans both on and off the island, being criticized by journalist Luz Escobar as an attempt to whitewash the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Current Challenges
How has the healthcare situation in Cuba declined?
Cuba's healthcare system is facing a severe crisis, with more than 70% of essential medications unavailable by 2026 and a significant increase in infant mortality rates. The system is also losing healthcare professionals to emigration.
What impact has the talent drain had on Cuban sports?
The migration of athletes to Major League Baseball and other international leagues has weakened Cuba's national team, which no longer holds the dominance it once had in the 1980s and 1990s in international competitions.