Related videos:
Ulises Toirac believes that there are many “headless people” in Cuba following the crowds sparked by a supposed monetary aid in hotels.
“The false news about the supposed aid that was to be distributed in hotels has been extremely useful in demonstrating the number of disoriented people in this country,” said the comedian, a sharp critic of Cuban reality.
"The situation is clear: no one here provides assistance outside of what is 'stipulated'; hotel chains in Cuba are in a precarious position due to the low amount of tourism and the relationships they must obviously maintain with the government of the host country," he argued.
Toirac urged his compatriots to "connect their minds."
"Kids, connect your brains for a day. This situation largely stems from having an empty socket. And I apologize to those who were misled. One has to be extremely gullible. Social media is full of garbage, don’t let it into your minds," he concluded.
In a subsequent comment, the comedian El Fenómeno noted that it relates to the "credulity with which people swallow the content on social media despite the signs indicating manipulation."
Rumor, mobilization, and denial
This Saturday, hundreds of Cubans arrived early at various hotels across the country, believing they would receive $1,100 in aid following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The rumor, spread by the Spaniard Ignacio Giménez, prompted a massive mobilization that forced the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) to publicly deny the alleged distribution of money.
Incidents were reported in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, both cities awoke to an unusual movement of people in front of the regime's hotels.
Since six in the morning, neighbors and passersby began to gather discreetly, encouraged by a social media post that promised the distribution of "financial assistance" at the main tourist facilities in the country.
Giménez is known for spreading falsehoods about issues related to Cuba on social media. He was behind the latest rumor regarding the supposed death of Raúl Castro and has once again captured the attention of Cubans with the same strategy.
In his post, he stated that "starting at 8:00 a.m." teams identified by yellow pullovers would distribute 1,100 dollars per person, and that even state television would cover the event.
The completely false news spread rapidly through Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed that the mobilization in Santiago was a direct consequence of deception, and denounced the vulnerability in which Cubans live, where a simple rumor can mobilize hundreds of people.
"The people, struck by crisis and despair, fell once again into the trap of disinformation," wrote Mayeta. "Meanwhile, the Government responds with patrols to a problem that did not originate from the people, but from deception."
The spokesperson explained that, in light of the growing crowd, the authorities sent police patrols to the area in an attempt to "manage" the situation.
The presence of agents did not stop more citizens from arriving, and the atmosphere became tense until the published an urgent informational note refuting the rumor.
"The Ministry of Tourism reports that the news circulating in some media and digital platforms regarding the alleged distribution of donations in hotels across the country following Hurricane Melissa is false," the statement notes.
"We urge citizens and the media not to spread false information that could cause confusion."
The note also clarified that MINTUR is not the institution responsible for channeling donations and urged the public to pay attention only to the official communications from the relevant authorities.
Filed under: