Genry Alenarez, also known on social media as "The Titan of Cuba," is a Cuban digital creator based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Recently, he publicly endorsed the Cuban regime's campaign "My Signature for the Homeland" by posting a video where he is seen signing with his passport photo, urging Cubans both on the island and abroad to do the same.
Born on April 27, 1971, in Bayamo and boasting around 15,000 followers on Facebook, Alenarez stands out as one of the most vocal pro-regime advocates among the Cuban diaspora in the United States. His social media accounts feature images of him with Miguel Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta Peraza.
His 19-second video gathered over 38,000 views, carrying the message: "Here is my passport photo. The new call is, I sign for the homeland and Girón is today. Long live Cuba, let's all sign for the homeland. Wherever you are, sign."
The Campaign's Origin and Objectives
Initiated on April 19 by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign marked the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Its stated aim is to collect millions of signatures by May 1, showcasing national unity against what the regime labels as "imperialist threats."
Despite being portrayed as a grassroots movement, the campaign is centrally orchestrated by the PCC, with the Union of Young Communists spearheading its promotion on social media. Reports from Cuba indicate coercion tactics, including deceptive practices in ration stores, job threats, and scholarship cancellations for those refusing to sign.
Alenarez's Controversial Remarks
During an 11-minute live stream, Alenarez went beyond merely promoting the campaign. He declared that "Cubans abroad and on the island are pledging not to deliver a defeat to Raúl Castro in the event of an imperial invasion," asserting that "the Cuban people are speaking today with my signature for the homeland."
His rhetoric, laced with vulgarity and deep-seated homophobia, vehemently attacked diaspora Cubans critical of the regime, labeling them as "Miami lackeys," "birds," "cowards," and "little worms."
Moreover, he openly celebrated the State Security's repression against Cuban mixed martial arts champion Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez, known as 'Spiderman,' who was violently detained and beaten by the authorities. Alenarez mocked him, referring to him disparagingly as "the dwarf."
Alenarez's actions highlight the regime's strategy of mobilizing its agents and loyal supporters in the diaspora to amplify its propaganda abroad during politically tense times, echoing official messages from U.S. soil.
Reactions to the Campaign
Meanwhile, in Cuba, the campaign has faced backlash. Cubans have responded with satire and viral poems like "I Don't Sign," with critics arguing that the initiative serves as a smokescreen for the economic crisis: prolonged blackouts, food and medicine shortages suffocating the population.
In his broadcast, Alenarez hinted that May 1 would bring "signs," referring to the demonstrations the regime is organizing as a show of strength to the international community.
Understanding the "My Signature for the Homeland" Campaign
What is the purpose of the "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign?
The campaign aims to collect millions of signatures to demonstrate national unity against perceived imperialist threats, coinciding with the anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
How has the campaign been received in Cuba?
The campaign has been met with criticism and satire, with many viewing it as a distraction from the country's economic hardships, including power outages and shortages of essentials.
Who is Genry Alenarez?
Genry Alenarez, also known as "The Titan of Cuba," is a Cuban digital creator residing in the U.S. who supports the Cuban regime and has actively promoted the "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign.