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The Cuban government appointed Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, an officer of the Intelligence Directorate (G2) implicated in espionage and political persecution, as the new ambassador to Venezuela, one of the most strategic countries for the survival of the regime.
The decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba, which confirms the replacement of Dagoberto Rodríguez Barrera, who concluded his diplomatic mission in Caracas.
Mayo Fernández is not just any diplomat; his name appears in international lists of Cuban repressors, accused of providing advice on repression mechanisms and participating in human rights violations. Defectors from the intelligence community identify him as an officer in department M-II, which is responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The new ambassador is already well acquainted with Caracas. Since 2021, he served as the Second Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Venezuela, where he played an active role in coordinating programs such as the Cuban Medical Mission and Misión Barrio Adentro, as evidenced by recent public events where he officially represented Havana.
Previously, he was ambassador in Nicaragua and also carried out diplomatic duties with intelligence coverage in New York, Argentina, and Venezuela.
His rise to ambassador consolidates the presence of an intelligence apparatus at the heart of the Havana–Caracas relationship, a vital axis that ensures subsidized oil and political support for the Cuban regime. For many exiles, the appointment confirms that Castroism prioritizes control and security above diplomacy.
The appointment of a man linked to the Cuban repressive apparatus at the head of the embassy in Venezuela highlights the nature of the alliances between both governments, built on the exchange of resources, favors, and mechanisms of social control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Appointment of the New Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela
Who is Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, the new ambassador of Cuba in Venezuela?
Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández is an officer of the Intelligence Directorate (G2) of Cuba, identified for espionage and political persecution. Before his appointment as ambassador to Venezuela, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Cuban Embassy in Caracas since 2021 and has held other diplomatic positions in Nicaragua, New York, Argentina, and Venezuela.
Why is it strategic for Cuba to maintain a strong presence in Venezuela?
Venezuela is one of the most strategic countries for the survival of the Cuban regime due to its subsidized oil supply and political support. The relationship between the two countries is based on the exchange of resources and political favors, which is essential for maintaining the economy and stability of the Cuban regime.
What implications does the appointment of an intelligence officer as ambassador to Venezuela have?
The appointment of Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, linked to the Cuban repressive apparatus, as ambassador to Venezuela highlights the nature of the alliances between both governments, which are built on mechanisms of social control and espionage, prioritizing security and control over formal diplomacy.
How does this appointment fit within Cuba's current foreign policy?
The appointment of Mayo Fernández reflects the continuity of Cuban foreign policy, which prioritizes ideological loyalty and state control over international relations. In a context of increasing international isolation, the Cuban regime aims to strengthen its influence in allied and like-minded countries, such as Venezuela.
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