In a new display of frivolity and disconnection from national reality, Sandro Castro once again sets social media ablaze with another one of his absurd videos, flaunting his ostentatious lifestyle.
While millions of Cubans face increasingly limited access to the Internet, the grandson of the dictator Fidel Castro laughs with grotesque and provocative messages.
In the video, he appears portraying his digital character "Vampirach" and delivers a message that sparks outrage:
"Hello, I've already had my dose of vampirism today. I'm going to get my friend ETECSA drunk with Cristach to see if she gets wild and starts giving away data," she says.
"Since I think you're not getting the right drink," the young man adds playfully, referring to the state telecommunications company and its latest tariff offensive.
The provocation occurs just after ETECSA imposed a new limitation on top-ups in Cuban pesos, setting the ceiling at 360 CUP per month, while promoting data packages in dollars.
The measure that restricts Internet access for millions of Cubans is yet another reason for Sandro's mockery, who plays with the idea of "getting the state telecommunications company drunk," while the majority of his fellow citizens can’t even afford a basic data plan.
The irony is brutal: while ETECSA imposes new restrictions limiting top-ups in Cuban pesos and pushes the population to pay for services in dollars, he uses mobile data to record and upload videos that contribute nothing but disdain.
Instead of empathy, it offers mockery. Instead of silence, noise. Instead of discretion, provocation.
Technological dollarization, social censorship
Internet access has become a luxury for many Cubans, and ETECSA—shielded by the state apparatus—continues to advance in the covert dollarization of services.
This elitist strategy not only makes it more expensive to access a vital tool for communication, information, and education, but it also excludes from the digital environment those who depend on the devalued Cuban peso.
The government has attempted to justify the measure as a "necessity to sustain the infrastructure," without offering real solutions to the public's demands or addressing the growing citizen dissatisfaction.
A symbol of revolutionary decay
Recently, Sandro Castro stirred up controversy by posting a video where, under his character "Vampirach," he was wasting Cristal beer and carelessly using mobile data.
With his parasitic lifestyle, he has become the most visible face of a generation of revolutionary heirs who were born and raised shielded by power. He has not been elected, he has not worked for what he has, he is accountable to no one. And that is apparent.
Each of their appearances on social media is a painful reminder for millions of Cubans: those in power live in a different reality and are unafraid to show it.
"Vampirach": between delirium and disdain
Sandro Castro's attitude, far from being criticized by official media or institutions of the regime, is tolerated and even celebrated in circles close to power.
His digital persona appears every week to showcase what the people lack: beer, data, luxury, and time for the absurd. And all of this without any institution reprimanding him, highlighting the double standard with which justice operates in Cuba.
It aims to make people laugh, but what it actually evokes is anger. Anger from a people tired of abuses, of double standards, of the constant humiliation of witnessing the privileged waste what is denied to the majority.
There is no Cristal beer, but there is a bitter drink for the people: watching the dictator's grandson continue to behave as if Cuba were his personal playground, while the entire nation sinks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandro Castro's Provocations and ETECSA's Measures
Who is Sandro Castro and why does he generate so much controversy?
Sandro Castro is the grandson of the deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and has become a controversial figure due to his videos on social media, where he showcases an extravagant and provocative lifestyle. His attitude has sparked outrage among Cubans, who are facing economic hardships and restrictions in accessing basic services such as the Internet.
What measures has ETECSA implemented that have caused so much discomfort?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month and has promoted data packages in dollars, which makes Internet access more expensive and restricts usage for those without access to foreign currency. These measures have been described by many as a form of "digital apartheid" and have sparked a wave of criticism towards the state-owned company.
How has the Cuban population reacted to ETECSA's measures?
The Cuban population has reacted with anger and criticism towards ETECSA, expressing their discontent on social media and official media like Cubadebate. The new rates are perceived as unfair and exclusionary, and have generated widespread rejection, even among official sectors and public figures such as musician Giraldo Piloto.
What is the impact of ETECSA's measures on the daily lives of Cubans?
The measures taken by ETECSA hinder access to the Internet, affecting essential activities such as education, remote work, and communication with family members abroad. By limiting top-ups in national currency and promoting plans in dollars, digital inequality is exacerbated, and the right to information and connectivity is restricted for a large portion of the population.
Filed under:
