The National Bureau of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) in Cuba issued an official call on Wednesday to commemorate Raúl Castro's 95th birthday on June 3. The organization encouraged children, teenagers, and young adults to record videos, upload photos, and create poems and songs in tribute to the former leader.
Meyvis Estévez, head of the UJC, authored the statement, portraying Castro as "the steadfast patriot who teaches us to defend the Revolution with tenderness and arms, with study and intelligence, with head held high and hand extended." The campaign, dubbed "#95DeRaúl," aims to engage participants from neighborhoods to schools, universities, and even military trenches.
The Stark Reality Behind the Celebration
Institutional propaganda sharply contrasts with the harsh realities faced by the Cuban populace, highlighting one of Castro's most notable unfulfilled promises. On July 26, 2007, in Camagüey, Raúl Castro proclaimed, "We must produce enough milk so that everyone who wants a glass of milk can have one." Nearly two decades later, milk remains a rationed commodity in Cuba, no longer even guaranteed for children under seven through the ration book.
Statistics tell the tale of this failure: Cuba's milk production was 1,131.3 million liters in 1989, plummeting to just 353.2 million liters by 2005. By 2018, the nation relied on imports for about 50% of its internal milk consumption.
Political Irony and International Scrutiny
While the UJC orchestrates these celebratory events, the political backdrop adds a layer of irony. On May 19, just a day before the UJC's announcement, The Associated Press reported that the U.S. Department of Justice was preparing to formally charge Raúl Castro for the downing of two civilian aircraft from the Brothers to the Rescue group on February 24, 1996.
In that incident, Cuban MiG fighters shot down the planes over international waters in the Florida Strait, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-American U.S. citizens: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. At the time, Raúl Castro was head of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and investigations by the UN, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the OAS determined the shootdown occurred in international airspace and waters.
Senators such as Marco Rubio and Mario Díaz-Balart have long advocated for charges against Castro for this event. In March 2026, Rick Scott called for Castro to be brought to the U.S. to face justice, and Senator Lindsey Graham praised the Trump administration's efforts to seek a formal indictment.
The UJC's call concludes with a quote attributed to Castro himself: "Yes, it was possible, yes, it is possible, and yes, it will be possible."
For the Cuban people who have been waiting nearly two decades for that promised glass of milk, the answer seems far less certain.
Understanding Raúl Castro's Controversial Legacy
What is the significance of Raúl Castro's 2007 milk promise?
Raúl Castro's 2007 promise highlighted the regime's commitment to improving living standards by increasing milk production. However, the ongoing rationing and reliance on imports underscore the failure to fulfill this promise, reflecting broader economic challenges in Cuba.
Why is Raúl Castro facing potential charges from the U.S.?
The U.S. Department of Justice is considering charges against Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft from the Brothers to the Rescue organization, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-American U.S. citizens. The incident occurred in international airspace and has been a point of contention for years.