The Convoy Nuestra América was seen moving through Havana in electric vehicles, in images that have sparked reactions on social media due to the contrast with the transportation crisis that Cubans are experiencing.
A video shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón and attributed to activist Magdiel Castro shows group members touring the capital in small electric vehicles, some singing "La Guantanamera" as they proceed in a caravan through the city.
Roberto Suárez, for his part, published on Facebook a photo showing a line of these vehicles around the Palacio de las Convenciones. In his post, he emphasized the potential of these means of transportation: “I liked seeing these vehicles. A great savings and alternative. Can you imagine how transportation in the capital would improve with a thousand of these carts?” He also pointed out that “they even have solar panels on the roofs” and that their use “makes it possible to hold these events.”
Despite its 'optimistic' approach, the reactions from other users reveal discomfort. Even with restrictions on the comments of the post, numerous messages questioned the use of these resources for activities linked to visitors while the population faces serious difficulties in commuting.
"Those little toys are for events and foreigners. For the people, at most horse-drawn carts," wrote a user. Another commented: "If your bosses allowed Cubans to undertake freely without total and absolute government control over the economy, we wouldn't have so many problems. Anyone could have a fleet of buses, taxis, bicycles, rental vehicles, etc., just like in the rest of the free world. But for some reason I don’t understand, in Cuba that can only be done by the state, and well... you know how transportation is."
The criticism also highlighted the contrast between the treatment of visitors and everyday reality: “For those from the outside, they even lay out a magic carpet if necessary! But for those at home, it’s just a matter of putting up with it.” Other users claimed to have seen these vehicles not in service: “I’ve seen a convoy for three days in a row, stops filled with people waving and nothing is done.”
The presence of this convoy on the island is part of an international initiative that has gathered hundreds of activists and leftist political figures in Havana from dozens of countries, including Pablo Iglesias, Jeremy Corbyn, and other participants who have expressed their support for the Cuban government, as well as transporting food, medicine, and solar equipment as part of an action framed as humanitarian, in the context of an economic and energy crisis.
During their stay, the group members have participated in official activities and tours of the capital, including meetings with state institutions and government figures such as Mariela Castro, amid an agenda that has been interpreted by critics as a form of political endorsement, similar to what occurred in the exchanges held with official entities.
The passage of the convoy through Havana has also been marked by events at the Palace of Conventions, where Miguel Díaz-Canel led a meeting with the participants and expressed gratitude for their presence and support amidst the situation the country is facing, in an event that emphasized the idea of international backing for the Cuban government, as part of a political event that coincided with the group's visit.
The leader also highlighted that the members of the convoy cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, in addition to making donations, which he described as a demonstration of solidarity during a challenging time for the country.
These activities take place in a context marked by a deep economic and energy crisis, with prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and a deteriorated transportation system that limits the daily mobility of the population.
In this context, criticism has increased regarding what some perceive as a disconnection between the experience of visitors and the reality of the country. Comedian Ulises Toirac satirized this situation by suggesting that the members of the convoy live for a month on “4000 CUP per person (without working), the ration book, a mobile phone with ETECSA service, and come back to get them in a month,” in a reflection that reveals the living conditions on the island and can be read in his social media post.
In the same vein, journalist Yoani Sánchez questioned the nature of these visits by stating: “We are not a theme park. To engage in ideological tourism elsewhere. Here we are suffering,” in a message that reflects the discontent of part of the citizenry.
Criticism has also arisen from platforms and voices questioning the consistency of those who defend the Cuban model from abroad while returning to countries with different economic systems.
In this context, the images of the convoy traveling in electric vehicles through Havana, singing "Guantanamera," highlight the contrast between the experience of these visitors and the daily challenges faced by a population that continues to struggle with serious transportation issues.
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