Shortly after Sandro Castro claimed that Gerardo Hernández wanted to imitate him with the tricycle, the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) shared a video on social media in which he is seen driving a bicycle taxi during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m very sorry if the enemies of the Revolution dislike seeing us in bicitaxis, but I obtained my license many years ago,” Hernández stated while sharing the material, which shows him traveling the streets of Havana wearing a nasobuco, just like other people in public, in a context marked by the health restrictions of the time.
Reactions to the post have been predominantly critical. Some users responded mockingly. "Watch out for the pots and the bicitaxi's roof," wrote one internet user. Another commented, "Cornelio rides a bike really well."
There were also direct questions about the content. "How poorly the mockery of the people suits you," expressed one user. Another pointed out, "How can you mock the people?"
These were joined by other comments in a similar critical vein, such as: "How funny playing with the misfortune of Cubans" and "Ridiculousness has become fashionable in this country."
Some users also mocked Hernández's explanation: “Are you practicing already?” and “We need to arrest whoever gave you the license because just one more millimeter and you'd be on the sidewalk.” Others emphasized the opportunistic nature of the video: “That’s from when COVID was around, do it now” and “Of course, now you’re putting out old videos.”
References to Sandro Castro were also present: “Competition with Sandro over who is more ridiculous”; "Cornelio, you are always so creative, you’ve become a communist influencer. Sandro Castro now has competition"; “He wants to imitate Sandro”; "You want to emulate Sandro." “Now everyone wants to join the tricycle show,” they told him.
The episode occurs after Sandro Castro said about Hernández, “Now he wants to imitate me with the tricycle”, referring to the leader's appearance while riding this type of transportation.
After the spread of images of Hernández in La Güinera, users on social media reacted with criticism and ridicule, also suggesting that he was trying to be funny or imitate Fidel Castro's grandson: "Competing with Sandro," they said.
The intersection between both figures has fueled a recurring debate on social media, where posts from leaders connected to the government often provoke critical reactions when perceived as disconnected from everyday reality in Cuba.
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