A new leak of official documents identifies Vilma Rodríguez Castro, the granddaughter of General Raúl Castro, as the beneficiary of at least five trips to the United States between 2012 and 2016, supported by a Cuban diplomatic passport, with the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) and with all expenses covered by American cultural institutions.
The investigation was published this week by Martí Noticias, after accessing files that reveal how the regime personally managed the immigration conditions of Rodríguez Castro, citing her "family importance" and security needs to justify the issuance of diplomatic visas.
During that period, Vilma attended exhibitions, art fairs, and cultural presentations organized in New York.
Some of the invitation letters came from entities such as The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation and Cuban Artists Fund, which covered transportation, accommodation, and logistics costs, stating that the funds used did not come from public resources.
In July 2016, Vilma traveled with her youngest son, and both entered the country with diplomatic documentation. They were escorted during their stay by personnel from the Cuban mission to the United Nations, confirmed witnesses consulted by the outlet.
Daughter of Déborah Castro Espín and the late general Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Callejas, former head of the military conglomerate GAESA, Vilma Rodríguez Castro is part of a family elite that, despite the sanctions imposed on her parents in 2020, remains unaffected by any U.S. restrictions.
Consulted by Martí Noticias, a spokesperson for the State Department declined to comment on specific past travels but issued a strong message: “The hypocrisy of the Cuban regime is well known around the world and by its own people. While the population suffers from hunger, blackouts, and misery, high-ranking officials and their families continue to live in luxury, including frequent trips abroad.”
The privileged situation of Rodríguez Castro does not end with travel, as it was revealed years ago that he manages a luxury mansion in the exclusive Miramar neighborhood in Havana, which until recently was being rented for $650 a night on Airbnb, under the name Casa Vida Luxury Holidays.
Following the complaints published by CiberCuba, the U.S. government added the address to its list of prohibited entities for American citizens.
In addition to her family lineage, Vilma is married to the artist Arles del Río, who is connected to the official cultural circuit and has received scholarships from the regime in the United States, such as the one from the Vermont Studio Center, along with other assignments within the island.
Her personal gallery was established with state support in the heart of Vedado, as was revealed at the time by Diario de Cuba.
Experts indicate that the use of diplomatic passports by relatives of the Castro leadership has been a systematic practice to circumvent immigration restrictions, transfer funds discreetly, and even facilitate economic interests outside the island.
"It's a network of privileges that turns the diplomatic apparatus into a cover for business and selective mobility," said Cuban researcher Miguel Cossío, as cited by Martí Noticias.
While thousands of Cubans face obstacles to leave the country legally or are forced to set off to sea or traverse jungles in search of a future, the direct descendants of those in power move freely around the world, manage properties, and display a lifestyle that is entirely disconnected from the national reality.
Frequently asked questions about the privileges of the Cuban elite and their impact on society
Who is Vilma Rodríguez Castro and why is her name in the news?
Vilma Rodríguez Castro is the granddaughter of General Raúl Castro and has been in the news due to an investigation revealing that she made at least five trips to New York with a Cuban diplomatic passport between 2012 and 2016. These trips were approved by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and funded by American cultural institutions. These privileges highlight the contrast between the Cuban elite and the population that suffers from shortages and restrictions.
What implications do the Castro family's trips abroad have?
The travels of the Castro family abroad, such as those of Vilma Rodríguez Castro, underscore the disparity between the privileges of the ruling elite and the restrictions faced by the Cuban people. While many Cubans encounter obstacles to leave the country, the relatives of high-ranking officials move freely and enjoy luxuries, illustrating the hypocrisy of the Cuban regime that preaches equality but practices privilege.
What are the implications of including properties of the Cuban elite on lists of entities prohibited by the U.S.?
The inclusion of properties belonging to the Cuban elite, such as the mansion of Vilma Rodríguez Castro, in lists of prohibited entities by the U.S. aims to limit the economic benefits these properties generate. It also reflects an attempt by Washington to pressure the Cuban regime by sanctioning individuals and properties associated with those in power, while denouncing the repression and lack of freedoms on the island.
How does the privileged situation of the Cuban elite affect the international perception of Cuba?
The privileged situation of the Cuban elite, such as luxury travel and properties, negatively impacts the international perception of Cuba. While the elite indulge in luxuries, the Cuban people face scarcity, repression, and a lack of opportunities. This reinforces the image of a regime that preaches equality but allows its leaders to live disconnected from the reality of the majority, leading to criticism and international sanctions.
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