In a flagrant display of insensitivity and disdain for national pain, Sandro Castro, grandson of the dictator Fidel Castro, was seen partying last Sunday, the day Cuba was observing an Official Mourning in honor of the 13 soldiers who died in Holguín.
Disregarding the measures issued by the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel, published in Granma -the official organ of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC)-, the “simple young revolutionary” once again demonstrated his contempt for Cubans and his superiority over the leaders of the “continuity.”
"Santiago Rivero Morales, alias Santy Ogbetua, an alleged fugitive from U.S. justice who is taking refuge in Cuba, poses alongside Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, and even promotes his bar. This occurs while the country is in official mourning for the death of 13 military personnel, 9 of whom were young conscripts," reported journalist Mario Pentón on his social media.
Through a broadcast on social media, Sandro, accompanied by Santiago Rivero Morales, promoted his establishment, Bar EFE, and encouraged celebration with phrases like: "Today is Sunday and we should have a little drink, my people" (sic).
This behavior stands in stark contrast to the mourning declared by the Cuban government, which mandated that on that day the national flag be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect for the three military personnel and nine young recruits declared deceased, whose bodies could not be recovered.
Castro's attitude not only highlights a lack of empathy towards the families of the deceased, but it also reflects a concerning sense of impunity and shamelessness on the part of those who hold privileges on the island.
While the entire country paid tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the tragic incident of January 7, the dictator's grandson chose to promote his business and celebrate, disregarding the collective grief and the directives of the leader appointed "by hand" by his great-uncle.
"It hurts deeply," said Díaz-Canel when announcing the death of the soldiers, but Sandro invited everyone to have a drink because it was Sunday.
This is not an isolated incident in Sandro Castro's behavior. Last December, he held an ostentatious birthday party at his bar, despite the blackouts affecting the Cuban population.
Furthermore, he was caught while being detained by the police on Fifth Avenue in Havana, demonstrating a pattern of behavior that disregards the struggles and feelings of the Cuban people.
The audacity of Sandro Castro and his close circle is a direct affront to the memory of the young military personnel who lost their lives and their families, who are still waiting for clear answers regarding the circumstances of the tragic accident in Holguín.
This is not the first time Sandro has gone out partying with Rivero Morales, a Cuban santero reportedly involved in a shooting reported in Miami in August 2023.
In October of that year, Rivero Morales celebrated his birthday in Cuba alongside the dictator's grandson, who referred to him as "a good friend" while embracing him in a photo shared on social media.
The promotion of parties and businesses amidst national mourning is yet another example of the disconnection between the privileged elite and the reality faced by most Cubans.
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