Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo" and the grandson of Raúl Castro, reportedly sought to establish a direct line of communication with President Donald Trump by sending a letter through non-traditional diplomatic routes. This claim comes from U.S. government sources with direct knowledge of the situation, as reported by Martí Noticias.
The letter was supposedly delivered via Roberto Carlos Chamizo González, a 37-year-old businessman who arrived in the United States over the weekend. However, he was sent back to Cuba after attempting to conduct negotiations without recognized official credentials.
"He tried to act as if he was performing a diplomatic function, but he had no recognized status," a Washington-based source revealed, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Official-Looking Document Sent
The same sources indicated that the document bore an official Cuban seal and was formatted as a diplomatic note. "It wasn't a personal letter. It had all the structure of an official communication, although it didn't arrive through the usual channels," a second consulted official explained.
Martí Noticias was unable to independently verify the full content of the letter. However, according to the sources, the message included calls to avoid a potential escalation of tensions, assurances that the regime is prepared for a U.S. military incursion, and proposals to explore economic agreements and lift sanctions.
A Move to Bypass Marco Rubio?
The sources interpreted this maneuver as an effort to sidestep Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "It's an attempt to buy time and open a direct channel with the president. They want to bypass Marco Rubio because he understands that without a change in the system, there will be no real chance for improvement," one of the sources noted.
Chamizo González has been linked to high-end tourism ventures in Cuba, including "El Patrón" estate, frequented by members of the Cuban elite. Investigative reports from CubaNet documented that his ventures managed to integrate into circuits controlled by GAESA, the military conglomerate that dominates between 30% and 40% of Cuba's economy, an unusual scenario for private businesses on the island. Chamizo also founded Havana Prestige, a luxury car service in Havana.
Context of Rising Bilateral Tensions
The alleged sending of the letter aligns with recent statements by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel in an NBC News interview, where he reiterated his rejection of releasing political prisoners and holding multiparty elections—conditions set by Washington for any change in its policy toward Cuba.
The attempt also comes amid increasing bilateral tensions. On March 27, Trump stated that "Cuba is talking with Marco Rubio, and we will do something very soon," while Rubio has conditioned any agreement on structural reforms of Cuba's political system.
Since February, Axios had revealed that Rubio was engaged in conversations described as "surprisingly friendly" with "El Cangrejo" himself regarding Cuba's future.
Rodríguez Castro, aged 41, is a lieutenant colonel in the Ministry of the Interior and head of personal security for his grandfather Raúl Castro. His father was the late General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja, former president of GAESA.
Despite maintaining a low public profile, Rodríguez Castro was seen at the high-level Communist Party meeting on March 13, where the regime acknowledged negotiating with the Trump administration.
The State Department referred Martí Noticias' inquiries to the White House, which had not responded by the time the article was closed.
"They are trying to buy time and find interlocutors who are not bound by Washington's hardline stances," one of the consulted sources warned.
Understanding Cuba’s Diplomatic Moves
Why did Raúl Castro's grandson send a letter to Trump?
The letter was reportedly an effort to establish direct communication with President Trump, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels, possibly to discuss tensions and explore economic agreements.
Who is Roberto Carlos Chamizo González?
Roberto Carlos Chamizo González is a businessman linked to high-end tourism ventures in Cuba. He allegedly delivered the letter to the U.S. but was sent back to Cuba due to lack of recognized diplomatic credentials.
What is the role of Marco Rubio in U.S.-Cuba relations?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, plays a significant role in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba, advocating for structural reforms in Cuba's political system as a condition for any agreements.