The official journalist Oliver Zamora Oria defended himself against criticism after the news of his purchase of a Bestune T55 surfaced, a luxurious car that the majority of Cubans cannot dream of affording.
In a post on Facebook, Oliver recounted the conversation he had with a taxi driver who recognized him and was surprised that he wasn't in the car.
He explained to the driver that the vehicle is "owned by the organization, paid for by the organization, and the property of the organization," and that he doesn't even have a bicycle.
"I don't even have a bicycle, in fact, I don't have a license either. What happens is that they don't mention that to keep the gossip going," he emphasized.
The regime's spokesperson received support from fellow journalists and other figures who defend the dictatorship.
Ricardo Ronquillo, president of the Cuban Journalists' Union (UPEC), spoke about defending his reporters from "moral and ethical lynching" and the manipulation they endure in what he referred to as a "communication war."
For his part, Lázaro Manuel Alonso told Zamora that when he buys another car, he should sell him the one he has now. "I’ll pay you with a month's salary." The other replied: "With the salary from the news program, you won't finish paying off the car even by the year 3600."
Israel Rojas from the duo Buena Fe also commented, labeling the critics as "scoundrels, liars, morally sick, and lacking in values."
At the end of May, Zamora, a correspondent for RT in Havana and a regular voice on national television defending the regime's narrative, shared a video announcing the purchase of a Bestune T55, a compact SUV manufactured in China valued at $26,845.
The deal was formalized through MCV Comercial S.A., a company that represents brands such as Mercedes-Benz on the Island. They made the operation public, stating that "the best maintenance conditions, availability, and spare parts supply" influenced Zamora's decision to purchase the vehicle from them.
The vehicle, modern and equipped with comforts—climate control, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and cutting-edge technology—stands in stark contrast to the deteriorated streets of Cuba and the reality of millions who do not even have access to decent public transportation.
The purchase of the luxury car sparked controversy and renewed public outrage at a time when the country is experiencing constant blackouts, widespread shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and rampant inflation that is eroding the purchasing power of the average citizen.
Despite Zamora Oria's statement denying that he purchased the car and his attempts to downplay the impact of the criticism, the episode revealed the deep disconnection between the official elites and the population amidst an economic crisis.
It is not illegal to buy a car in Cuba, and in this case, the journalist can justify the purchase due to earnings in foreign currency as a correspondent for RT in Havana.
The problem lies in the message conveyed by a regime official who condemns on national television "profiting from the suffering of the Cuban people," while enjoying material privileges that this people do not have.
His speech, in which he denies any responsibility of the regime for the crisis and blames exclusively the United States, is an example of the information manipulation that upholds the power.
Meanwhile, his car, or is it? new advances through a city that is sinking into poverty and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oliver Zamora Oria Car Scandal
Is Oliver Zamora Oria the owner of the Bestune T55?
Oliver Zamora Oria has denied being the owner of the Bestune T55, claiming that the vehicle belongs to his job and not personally. He states that he does not own even a bicycle and does not have a driver's license, suggesting that the car is a resource assigned to him by his employment as a correspondent for RT in Havana.
Why has Oliver Zamora's purchase of the Bestune T55 generated controversy?
The purchase of the Bestune T55 has sparked controversy due to the deep economic inequality in Cuba, where the majority of the population does not have access to luxury vehicles like this one. Additionally, the acquisition takes place in a context of economic, social, and political crisis on the island, which has heightened public outrage regarding the display of privileges by figures associated with the regime.
How does Oliver Zamora Oria justify the income for the purchase of the vehicle?
Although Oliver Zamora Oria claims he is not the owner of the Bestune T55, the journalist can justify the acquisition of the vehicle by his foreign currency earnings as a correspondent for RT in Havana. However, the issue that sparks debate is the message sent by a regime official who enjoys material privileges while the population faces serious economic hardships.
What does the Bestune T55 symbolize in the current Cuban context?
The Bestune T55 symbolizes the imbalances and lack of ethics that undermine the credibility of official journalism and the legitimacy of the Cuban regime. It represents the disconnection between the political and communication elites and the Cuban people, who bear the consequences of a system that grants privileges to a few while marginalizing the majority.
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