Cuban activist and dissident Juan Juan Almeida García has spoken out regarding the deadly accident on May 1 in Santiago de Cuba. In a live broadcast from Europe, he acknowledged that his brother, Juan Guillermo Almeida, known as "JG," is implicated by multiple sources. Almeida candidly admitted that his brother benefits from the privileges of the Cuban regime and enjoys protection from the Castro family.
The tragic event occurred in the early hours of May 1 at the intersection of 2nd and Escario streets, in the Santa Bárbara district of Santiago de Cuba, an area ominously referred to as "the corner of death."
The victim, Agustín Maceo Perdomo, also known as "Pacolo," was violently struck while riding his scooter. Initially, Maceo Perdomo reported to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital claiming he had fallen, not been in a traffic accident. However, he later became incoherent and suffered seizures, ultimately diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage.
Agustín Maceo Perdomo passed away on the night of May 5, leaving behind a young daughter and wife. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed his death, emphasizing the tragedy over any family names or power: "This isn't about surnames or authority. It's about a life lost. No life should be worth less than a surname."
Juan Juan Almeida revealed that he learned about the accident through the internet while in Europe, investigating alleged money laundering cases tied to the Cuban regime. He reached out to JG, with whom he hadn't communicated for years, compelled by the seriousness of the situation.
Regarding JG's account of the incident, Juan Juan was clear: "He told me, and I'll quote directly, 'I wasn't driving, but I will take responsibility like a man and a human being.'"
Almeida didn't shy away from highlighting the power dynamics in Cuba, stating, "If someone powerful is guilty of anything, often nothing happens. There's no jail, no trial, no accountability, no prosecutor, no laws, no equality, nothing. That's the stark reality."
He continued, "We're discussing Cuba, and we all know how things operate on that island. That's Cuba—a country devoid of rights, a country with privilege."
Reports suggest JG's vehicle was involved in the Santiago accident, and an anonymous nurse from the hospital mentioned JG and his associates were present during the critical days, with State Security closely monitoring the case.
JG, a salsa and reggaeton musician with business ties in Santiago de Cuba, has been slated to conclude the summer season in Cuba in August 2025, underscoring his connections to the regime's structures. Social media commentators recall a similar incident involving JG around 15 years ago in Mayabeque, which also had no legal repercussions.
Juan Juan, who left Cuba in 2010 following a 65-day hunger strike and has lived in Miami since, asserted he would never publicly disparage his family but offered a direct message to the victim's family: "If my brother is at fault at any point—as much as I doubt it—you can absolutely count on me."
This incident occurs amid a concerning trend of traffic fatalities in Cuba: 2025 saw 750 deaths from road accidents, with a total of 7,538 incidents, according to the National Traffic Safety Commission. On the same May 1, a young doctor also lost her life in another accident at the same treacherous corner.
Key Questions About the Santiago de Cuba Accident
Who was involved in the Santiago de Cuba accident?
The accident involved Agustín Maceo Perdomo, who was hit while riding his scooter. Juan Guillermo Almeida, known as "JG," is implicated by multiple sources.
What was Juan Juan Almeida's response to the incident?
Juan Juan Almeida admitted that his brother is a beneficiary of the Cuban regime's privileges and expressed his readiness to support the victim's family if necessary.
What are the implications of this accident in Cuba?
The accident highlights the lack of accountability for powerful individuals in Cuba, as well as the ongoing issue of traffic fatalities on the island.