Six years after beginning the "rehabilitation" of the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana, the government presents the installation of a dove sculpture as an achievement, apparently the first of several, completely ignoring the long history of technical errors, budgetary excesses, and decisions that have destroyed what little remained of the original design of that public space.
The announcement was made by Liván Izquierdo Alonso, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Havana, on his X account, accompanied by images of the new decoration placed at the site popularly known as the "Protestódromo," in front of the United States Embassy.
But instead of generating pride, the news reignited criticisms over a project that since May 2019 has undergone multiple demolitions and reconstructions without any real progress visible, aside from symbolic embellishments like this new dove.
The Cuban architect Yulieta Hernández pointed out on her Facebook profile that she has witnessed the demolition, construction, and re-demolition and re-construction, many times of the same construction detail, and that she is “alarmed by the lack of control and technical rigor.”
He cited as examples the "immense" star that did not fulfill the project and ended up in the outdoor area of the company Cubiza on Vía Blanca, and how the replacement also did not align with its base columns, requiring shims to be placed under the columns.
He referred to the manufacturing of very poor-quality concrete that does not meet the current technical standards in the country, especially in such an aggressive environment just a few meters from the sea, making it susceptible to corrosion and leading to future interventions and costs.
She also recalled the mountain of flags and steel arches that did not withstand corrosion. “Were there project design errors, supply purchasing mistakes, or execution failures? Last year, the Council of Ministers approved a new intervention. Will it be the same as in 2019, which is still not finished?” she wondered, she who is also the president of the private micro and small enterprise Pilares Construcciones.
According to Hernández, "last week it was the trees, which never managed to adapt to the aggressive coastal climate of the Malecón. Cranes, workers, trucks, salaries, fuel... A few months ago the flowerbeds and the pavements were once again demolished and redone. Once again, without quality. They will last about as long as concrete without cement at the entrance of the Malecón."
Questions are piling up: “Who is accountable for the indifference and the mismanaged budget?” the text concluded, while the comments quickly followed.
"They have even taken down 'El Protestódromo'. These people need to stop. Six years to destroy that, and 66 to destroy a country," wrote a user. Others described the project as "one more of a thousand ways to waste what little we have," pointing out how hospitals and homes remain in ruins while resources are squandered on a site of no concrete use.
"They do not account for the destruction of the sugar industry, the electrical system, or agriculture... meanwhile, Liborio pays," commented another, highlighting the impunity with which public funds are managed. "So many buildings are falling apart, and they're spending materials to wage a petty war against the embassy," complained one user. "This is a monument to clumsiness and mediocrity."
Reports of corruption also multiplied. "That constant, useless rebuilding has only one goal: thievery, corruption, theft," stated a user. "Each project more horrifying than the last," added another, lamenting the disappearance of the water park and bridge that used to be in the area.
“Madness and stupidity to the extreme, and without any medication to treat them,” summarized another comment, while someone quipped, “The 'Americans' must be dying of laughter wondering how a country that is starving can spend so much on a square that serves no purpose.”
In May, it became known that the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, a platform for the official discourse during the Battle of Ideas, was renting out several of its spaces for parties, meetings, fairs, and events of all kinds for up to 28,000 pesos a day.
A few hours later, the official portal Cubadebate, the media outlet that published the information as "sponsored content" (advertising), removed the announcement from the website.
The silent withdrawal of the publication sparked a wave of reactions on social media, where citizens, activists, and intellectuals questioned the lack of transparency and consistency in the official discourse, also raising questions about whether the Cuban regime had backpedaled or was trying to discreetly reframe the proposal.
The announcement of rental spaces at the Antimperialist Tribune generated a wave of memes and criticism on social media, highlighting the contradiction between its ideological use and the current economic needs of the country.
The Anti-Imperialist Tribune José Martí was one of the many grand ideas of the dictator Fidel Castro that involved a significant expenditure of material resources and hours. The construction began on January 15, 2000, and was completed in 80 days of continuous work, during which 1,988 workers, technicians, architects, and engineers from various provinces engaged in intense labor.
Its location was conceived as a result of the propaganda campaign known as the Battle of Ideas and the massive mobilizations for the return of the raft child Elián González to Cuba in the year 2000.
The location was chosen for its proximity to the then U.S. Interests Section in Havana (USINT).
Since its inauguration, it has been the setting for marches against the policies of the U.S. governments and, in recent years, for performances by various music groups, both Cuban and foreign.
In 2019, the site was demolished with the purpose of renovating its design and replacing several elements damaged by sea salt, such as the flagpoles that served as a "forest" (Monte de las Banderas) that obstructed the view of some LED screens placed at the Interests Section, on which messages supporting human rights were displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Anti-Imperialist Tribune Controversy in Cuba
Why is the Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana a source of controversy?
The Anti-Imperialist Tribune is a source of controversy due to its ongoing rehabilitation and the excessive expenditure of public resources without visible improvements. The recent installation of a sculpture of a dove has reignited criticism regarding the use of funds on a project deemed symbolic but lacking concrete utility, while other sectors such as health and housing remain neglected.
What criticisms has the management of the Anti-Imperialist Tribune project received?
The project management has been criticized for its lack of control and technical rigor, as well as for the errors and waste of public resources. Architects and citizens have pointed out issues such as the use of low-quality concrete and poor planning that has led to multiple demolitions and reconstructions without satisfactory results.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the criticisms regarding the Anti-Imperialist Tribune?
The Cuban government has attempted to justify the project and the decisions made as part of an effort to uphold the ideological legacy of the Tribuna. However, the lack of transparency and the removal of announcements regarding the rental of the space have led to increased suspicion and criticism from the public.
Is the Anti-Imperialist Tribune being used for other purposes?
It has been reported that the Anti-imperialist Tribune is being rented out for private events, which has sparked controversy over the change in its original symbolic use. Although the government has denied these claims, deleted posts and contradictory statements have fueled the debate surrounding the issue.
Filed under: