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The social media accounts of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel once again ignited after a post on his official Facebook profile where he reported on a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, amid the severe energy crisis facing Cuba.
In his message, Díaz-Canel wrote: "I had a warm phone conversation with the Prime Minister of #Barbados, my dear friend Mia Amor Mottley. I updated her on the situation in #Cuba, which has worsened due to the energy blockade from the United States. As always, I received her solidarity and affection for the Cuban people, for which I expressed our gratitude. I reaffirmed our commitment to continue deepening the historic ties with Barbados and the other Caribbean countries."
The post generated hundreds of comments, many of them marked by sarcasm, indignation, and direct questioning of the official narrative.
Several users questioned the practical reach of the "solidarity and affection" mentioned by the leader. "Solidarity and affection, with that everything is resolved," wrote one internet user. Another asked, "Can you eat with solidarity?" Along the same lines, another comment sarcastically noted, "I need to know when they will start distributing solidarity and affection through the ration book."
There were also criticisms of the repeated reference to the U.S. embargo as the main cause of the crisis. "Now the blockade is vigorous," noted one user, while another stated, "The blockade of communism on economic development." Another comment expressed, "Blockade, that record is already scratched."
The accusation that the government relies on donations and external aid was also present. “Asking for handouts,” wrote one profile. Another commented, “Begging as usual!” In a similar tone, one could read: “How long are we going to live off the charity of other countries?”
Some messages directly referred to the scarcity and hunger affecting the population. “Mr. President, the people you rely on to fight against the U.S. are starving; we won't win even the war of the meringues,” one user stated. Another posted: “I am so hungry.” In another comment, someone questioned: “And how does that change anything, daddy?”
The criticisms also included calls for internal changes. "You should start thinking seriously about implementing economic reforms in Cuba to escape this misery, instead of continuing to receive donations and handouts from insignificant Caribbean islands," wrote an internet user. Another remarked, "Let go of the power."
The virtual conversation once again highlighted the strong reactions that official messages provoke in a context of blackouts, food shortages, and social unrest. While the leader persistently denounces the "energy blockade by the United States" and emphasizes international solidarity, many citizens question the effectiveness of such gestures in light of the daily crisis they face.
The ruler's message provoked responses beyond his official page. From her Facebook profile, journalist Mónica Baró Sánchez commented: “He makes more phone calls than I did at 12 years old, when the landline was installed in my area. He must have no one left to call.”
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