Jorge Enrique Jerez Belisario, a reporter for the state-run newspaper Granma, expressed his unwavering devotion to former President Raúl Castro in a statement released on Saturday. He recounted a personal encounter with Castro and the affection he received from the former leader.
In his post, Jerez Belisario shared: "I told Raúl that although my hands and legs are limited, my mind and heart are dedicated to the Revolution. Raúl responded with a warm embrace. That's the Raúl I know."
The post is accompanied by a photograph showing Castro in his iconic olive green military uniform handing a document to a young Jorge Enrique during what appears to be a formal ceremony.
Jerez Belisario, originally from Camagüey, was born with cerebral palsy. His story was celebrated in 2016 as an example of triumph within the revolutionary system, making him a particularly valuable figure for the regime's propaganda.
His ideological loyalty is further highlighted by the portrayal of him as a direct beneficiary of the revolution's ideals.
This recent display of allegiance is not Jerez Belisario's first. In March, he penned an article in Granma accusing Western media of engaging in a "media operation" to justify military actions against Iran.
Praise for Revolutionary Leaders
The post about Raúl Castro fits into a broader trend of praise directed at the Castro family by Cuban journalists and official figures. Just last week, Marxlenin Pérez Valdés, a state TV presenter and wife of Fidel Castro's grandson, published a similar tribute to the Commander.
Back in December 2025, Granma described Fidel Castro as "the world's least known filmmaker," further showcasing revolutionary hagiography.
Political Implications of Devotion
Expressions of admiration for Raúl Castro carry additional political weight given the former dictator's health condition, as he approaches his 95th birthday. His appearance on May 1 at the José Martí Anti-imperialist Tribune in Havana was his first in five months and was noted by observers as "visibly diminished."
In an attempt to mask Raúl Castro's physical decline, the press advisor for leader Miguel Díaz-Canel resorted to photoshopping images of him.
Understanding Journalist Allegiance in Cuba
Who is Jorge Enrique Jerez Belisario?
Jorge Enrique Jerez Belisario is a journalist for the Cuban state-run newspaper Granma, known for his loyalty to the revolutionary regime.
Why is Jorge Enrique Jerez Belisario's story significant?
His story is significant as it highlights the use of personal triumphs under the revolutionary system to promote the regime's ideology.
How has Raúl Castro's health influenced political narratives?
Raúl Castro's declining health has added a sense of urgency to expressions of loyalty, as his appearances become rarer and more closely scrutinized.