Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla has sharply criticized the official statement from the Cuban government regarding the visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Havana, describing it as "mocking." Through two posts on her verified Facebook account, she expressed disbelief at the conclusions presented.
In her initial post, Calzadilla did not mince words: "The entire statement is mocking. They claim the CIA requested the meeting, reached an agreement, and supposedly proved they aren't a threat. Moreover, they emphasized meeting with 'competent' authorities."
Hours later, her second post took a philosophical tone: "After reading the conclusions of the CIA director's visit to Havana, I woke up feeling like Socrates: 'I only know that I know nothing.'"
Context of the Government's Announcement
The trigger for Calzadilla's remarks was an official statement from the Communist Party of Cuba released on Thursday. The regime alleged that Washington had requested the meeting and that "the Directorate of the Revolution approved the visit."
The official text asserted that the exchanges "categorically demonstrated that Cuba does not pose a threat to the national security of the United States" and denied the presence of "foreign military or intelligence bases" on the island.
Contradictions and Skepticism
This denial raises eyebrows as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has identified at least 12 Chinese signal intelligence facilities in Cuba, with significant sites in Bejucal, El Wajay, Calabazar, and El Salao.
During his Havana visit, Ratcliffe met with General Lázaro Álvarez Casas, Cuba's Interior Minister sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act for severe human rights abuses, and Brigadier General Ramón Romero Curbelo, head of the MININT's Intelligence Directorate. Also present was Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro's grandson, known as "The Crab," and a lieutenant colonel in the MININT.
Messages and Political Implications
CIA sources quoted by Fox News indicated that Ratcliffe delivered a direct message from Trump: the U.S. is open to dialogue, but only if Cuba implements "fundamental changes."
State Secretary Marco Rubio had previously been firm in discussions with Fox News: "Cuba's economic direction cannot change as long as the current leaders remain in power. That must change, given these individuals have proven their incompetence."
Timing Amid Crisis
The visit coincides with an acute crisis for the regime: 65% of Cuban territory experienced simultaneous blackouts on Tuesday, the Energy Minister confirmed on state television that oil reserves are depleted, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts a 6.5% GDP contraction by 2026, the most severe economic downturn projected in Latin America.
The Cuban government's statement was the first to disclose the visit, marking one of the highest-level contacts between Washington and Havana in decades. It followed the pattern of Ratcliffe's trip to Caracas in January 2026, where he met with Delcy Rodríguez following Nicolás Maduro's capture.
Frequently Asked Questions on CIA Director's Visit to Havana
Why did CIA Director John Ratcliffe visit Havana?
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana to engage in high-level discussions with Cuban officials, reportedly delivering a message from the U.S. government expressing openness to dialogue contingent on Cuba making fundamental changes.
What was the Cuban regime's response to the CIA visit?
The Cuban regime issued a statement claiming that the meeting was requested by the U.S. and that the exchanges proved Cuba is not a threat to U.S. national security, while denying the existence of foreign military or intelligence bases on the island.
How did Amelia Calzadilla react to the official statement?
Amelia Calzadilla criticized the official statement as "mocking" and expressed skepticism about its conclusions through posts on her verified Facebook account.