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While Hurricane Melissa strengthens and keeps thousands of Cubans on edge due to its potential impact on the island, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has chosen to fly to Saudi Arabia to attend an international investment forum.
His journey, announced with photos and optimistic messages on X, contrasts with the uncertainty prevailing in the country due to the imminent arrival of the weather phenomenon.
"We are monitoring the evolution of the weather event Melissa and the measures being taken in the country," Marrero wrote hours before boarding the flight. However, shortly thereafter, his official profile displayed images of his arrival in Riyadh, where he was received by Saudi officials with honors, in a trip described by the state media as a "historic visit" to strengthen the ties between the two governments.
The contrast did not go unnoticed. At a time when the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) warns that Melissa could become a powerful hurricane south of Cuba and generate strong wave surges and coastal flooding, the absence of the prime minister from the national territory projects an image of disconnection with the country's urgent needs.
The state site Cubadebate highlighted that Marrero will lead the Cuban delegation at the 9th Future Investment Initiative Forum, which will bring together leaders from over 90 countries in Saudi Arabia from October 27 to 30. It also noted that the Kingdom has been a “historical ally” of Cuba in social and development projects, particularly through the Saudi Fund for Development.
However, the visit takes place while Cuban territory is preparing for potential impacts from the cyclone. Alerts and precautionary measures have been issued in the eastern provinces, recalling recent storms that have caused severe damage and loss of life.
The decision made by Marrero deviates from what is typically done by leaders of other countries in emergency situations. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, for instance, recently announced that she will not attend the upcoming Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic, citing the need to stay in her country to address the disaster caused by heavy rains that resulted in dozens of fatalities, among other reasons. "We must attend to the country and, in particular, the emergency," stated the leader, emphasizing a sense of institutional responsibility in the face of the crisis.
In contrast, Marrero's trip reinforces the perception of a government elite that is disconnected from the concerns of Cubans, more focused on international affairs than on the streets that are currently preparing for the arrival of Melissa.
Although the official discourse emphasizes the "historic" and "beneficial" nature of the trip, many are questioning whether it was time to prioritize presence and support in a country that, once again, faces the threat of wind and uncertainty.
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