Former Cuban spy Antonio Guerrero has urged the Cuban people to draw inspiration from the legacy of Fidel Castro, suggesting that staying true to the late dictator's ideals will lead them through their struggles.
In a report aired on Friday by Canal Caribe, Guerrero was interviewed alongside other former spies. His comments sparked outrage among those who highlighted the stark contrast between his rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by the island's residents.
The Controversial Call to Fidelity
"Always keep Fidel in your thoughts. What would Fidel say? How can I avoid letting Fidel down? And if you have that in your blood, in your consciousness, in your daily life, you'll always find the way," Guerrero declared to the cameras of the state-run channel.
The interview followed a gathering of the so-called "Heroes of the Republic," including Ramón Labañino, René González, and Antonio Guerrero himself, with workers from the Food Industry. During the event, the documentary Cinco horas con los cinco was also showcased.
The regime claimed the meeting aimed to discuss "the enduring relevance of Fidel's political, revolutionary, and ethical thought," especially as the Cuban people face aggression from the U.S. government.
Critical Response: "A Path to Continued Subjugation"
Journalist José Raúl Gallego responded harshly to Guerrero's remarks on Facebook, encapsulating the reaction of many critics.
"Following Antonio Guerrero's formula, now in the middle of a blackout, hungry, and under threat of imprisonment if you protest, you must ask yourself 'How do I not fail Fidel?' and just like that, you'll 'find the way.' The way to continue living in subjugation and misery, while Fidel's descendants and these hypocrites enjoy what they deny to most Cubans. And with a smile on his face, like the new Clavelito," Gallego wrote on Facebook.
The disparity is striking given Cuba's current situation: by 2026, the nation has suffered at least seven complete collapses of the national electrical system, with blackouts lasting over 72 hours in some provinces, leaving millions without electricity, water, or food.
Antonio Guerrero's Current Endeavors
Guerrero Rodríguez is one of the five agents from the so-called Wasp Network, a Cuban intelligence network that infiltrated exile organizations in Miami and U.S. military facilities.
He was arrested by the FBI on September 12, 1998, alongside Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, René González, and Fernando González.
Initially sentenced to life plus ten years, his sentence was reduced to 262 months in 2009. Barack Obama commuted the remainder of his sentence in December 2014, and Guerrero returned to Cuba as diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana were being restored.
Since then, the regime has turned him into a public figure and political symbol. In January 2023, he was appointed president of the Union of Architects and Engineers of Cuba (UNAICC).
However, by July 2025, he had moved to a position closer to foreign currency, signing tourism collaboration agreements as president of the San Cristóbal Travel Agency.
While Guerrero advises Cubans to find their path through loyalty to Castro's legacy, his own son, Gabriel Eduardo Guerrero Pérez, works as Operations Manager for a private company in Panama and has traveled repeatedly to Miami, according to the Periódico Cubano.
This pattern is mirrored among the offspring of other former spies. René González's daughter works for a U.S. firm, another is pursuing a master's degree in Japan, and Labañino's daughter is building her career in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antonio Guerrero and Fidel Castro's Legacy
Who is Antonio Guerrero?
Antonio Guerrero is a former Cuban spy and one of the members of the Wasp Network, known for infiltrating exile groups in Miami and U.S. military installations. He has become a public figure in Cuba and serves in various governmental roles.
What did Antonio Guerrero say about Fidel Castro?
Antonio Guerrero urged Cubans to consider Fidel Castro's legacy as a guiding principle, suggesting that staying true to Castro's ideals would help them navigate their current difficulties.
What has been the public reaction to Guerrero's statements?
Guerrero's statements have been met with criticism, with many pointing out the disconnect between his rhetoric and the reality of life in Cuba, marked by frequent blackouts and shortages.