Miguel Díaz-Canel has approved the removal of Alis Azahares Torreblanca from her position as the governor of Guantánamo, citing "health issues," according to the state-run media outlet Cubadebate. This marks the third provincial governor change in Cuba within just seven days.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz conveyed the decision to the Provincial Council, lauding Azahares Torreblanca for her over three-year tenure since May 28, 2023, particularly her efforts in "the recovery of the territory following meteorological events."
Carlos Raúl Martínez Turro, previously the provincial vice governor and an Electrical Engineering graduate, will take over temporarily. He was elected for the vice governor role with 95.20% of the votes in May 2023 until a new governor is appointed.
Guantánamo's change is the third in a series of leadership shifts across Cuba's provincial administrations this week. On Monday, Jorge Enrique Sutil Sarabia, the governor of Camagüey, stepped down after acknowledging "errors in his duties incompatible with his responsibilities."
The next day, Díaz-Canel accepted the resignation of Yelenys Tornet Menéndez, the governor of Las Tunas, who cited "personal and family limitations preventing her from continuing her role." Tornet Menéndez was elected in December 2024 with 98.58% of the votes, her term lasting less than two years.
Each case followed a similar process: presidential approval, Prime Minister's communication to the Provincial Council, and interim vice governor appointments. Although official statements vary—management errors, personal limitations, health issues—none provide specific details or mention further investigations or sanctions.
During her time in Guantánamo, Azahares Torreblanca tackled numerous crises. In September 2026, she reported bakeries using power outages as excuses to stop bread production despite having flour, and in October, she demanded immediate solutions to wage delays for commerce workers.
The rapid succession of these three dismissals—Camagüey, Las Tunas, and Guantánamo, all in the eastern and central-eastern provinces—is unprecedented in speed and geographical concentration. Official statements do not link the incidents or provide a comprehensive explanation for the upheaval in the regime's territorial leadership.
Additionally, this week saw the dismissal of the mayor of Venezuela municipality in Ciego de Ávila province. Rafael A. Ramírez Acosta was removed due to a list of errors and irregularities in his duties, which were specified in the official note, unlike the governors' cases.
Key Questions about Recent Leadership Changes in Cuba
Why was Alis Azahares Torreblanca removed as governor of Guantánamo?
Alis Azahares Torreblanca was removed due to "health issues," as stated by the official reason from the Cuban government.
Who will temporarily take over the governorship of Guantánamo?
Carlos Raúl Martínez Turro, the former vice governor with a background in Electrical Engineering, will temporarily assume the role.
What reasons were given for the resignation of Yelenys Tornet Menéndez?
Yelenys Tornet Menéndez resigned citing "personal and family limitations" that hindered her ability to continue her role as governor.
How did the official statements vary regarding the governors' dismissals?
The official reasons included management errors, personal limitations, and health issues, but none provided detailed explanations or mentioned further investigations.