On Friday, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, alongside Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, visited the Defense Zone of La Güinera in Havana's Arroyo Naranjo municipality. The visit aimed to emphasize the importance of food production and water supply. However, it quickly drew a wave of public criticism, highlighting the stark contrast between the leaders' apparent obesity and the widespread hunger affecting the Cuban populace.
In a post on the social platform X, Marrero noted the visit's focus on strengthening the area's "mobilizing role" and addressing "key issues such as water supply" and "the need to enhance food production."
The images shared in the tweet depicted the officials dressed in olive green military uniforms, gathered in facilities adorned with posters of the dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) on the walls.
Public Backlash and Skepticism
The public reaction was immediate and pointed. "All of them are very overweight while asking the people to make sacrifices. They haven't solved anything in 67 years, and they won't now," commented one user, encapsulating the general sentiment.
Another user questioned the effectiveness of such visits: "Marrero, I thought you'd learned by now that these visits never resolved ANYTHING. How long will you keep using the same failed method?"
Historical Context and Continual Struggles
The choice of La Güinera as the visit site did not go unnoticed. One user recalled that it was where Diubis Laurencio Tejeda was shot in the back and killed during the 11J protests on July 12, 2021. The lieutenant responsible was acquitted under claims of "self-defense."
Regarding the water supply, the situation in Arroyo Naranjo starkly contradicts the official narrative. "They're still without water in La Güinera, despite your deceitful insistence. And there won't be more water until you leave," another Cuban responded.
The municipality is one of the hardest hit by a severe water crisis affecting over half a million residents in Havana, exacerbated by the electrical outages that cripple the pumping system.
Food Shortages and Leadership Disconnect
In June, the government itself admitted to a year-long failure in delivering oil, chicken, or yogurt as part of the regulated food basket, with children in Havana going over two months without meat or ground beef.
Cuba imports between 70% and 80% of its consumed food, yet rice production has plummeted by 81%, and egg production by 61%.
The discord between the leaders' appearance and the people's scarcity resurfaces with every official visit. Recently, pro-government singer-songwriter Raúl Torres urged leaders to "step out of the air conditioning and onto the street," though he simultaneously defended the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Ethical Standards Under Scrutiny
In January 2024, a new Code of Ethics was approved, mandating leaders to "reject privileges and complacency." Judging by the photos from Friday's meeting, the policy seems to have had little visible impact.
A user succinctly commented, upon viewing the meeting's photos: "Now that I see the photos, I know where the people's food is going. Leave while you still can."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Leadership and Public Criticism
What was the purpose of Marrero's visit to La Güinera?
The visit aimed to emphasize the importance of food production and water supply, as well as to strengthen the area's mobilizing role.
Why did the public criticize the Cuban leaders following the visit?
The public criticized the leaders for their apparent obesity in contrast to the hunger affecting the Cuban people, pointing out the contradiction in their calls for sacrifice.
What are some of the ongoing issues in Arroyo Naranjo?
Arroyo Naranjo faces a severe water crisis, worsened by electrical outages, and struggles with food shortages, with significant gaps in regulated food deliveries.