The arrival in Havana of the sailing vessels Friendship and Tiger Moth, part of the convoy "Nuestra América," was swiftly seized upon by Miguel Díaz-Canel to reinforce his political discourse amid the crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
In a message posted on his official account on X, the leader celebrated the arrival of the vessels, highlighting not only the aid transported but also the symbolic value of the initiative. “Finally in Cuba […] with its solidarity load of necessary resources but, above all, with its load of love in defense of just causes,” he wrote.
Díaz-Canel also emphasized that “a three-year-old girl is the youngest crew member in this expedition,” presenting her involvement as a demonstration of international support and asserting that “Cuba is not alone.”
The tone of the message has sparked criticism due to what many consider a political use of an operation that involved real risks. For several days, the vessels were isolated in the Caribbean, prompting the activation of an international search and rescue operation led by Mexico.
Particular disdain has been caused by the mention of the minor. The presence of a three-year-old girl on a maritime journey of this nature —which included loss of contact and mobilization of emergency resources— has been pointed out as an irresponsibility on the part of the convoy organizers.
Beyond the humanitarian component, critics argue that the official message reinforces a propagandistic narrative by prioritizing emotional and symbolic elements over the risks involved and the real limitations of such initiatives in the face of the country's structural crisis.
Criticism of the "Nuestra América" convoy
The convoy "Nuestra América" had already sparked controversy before this incident. Previous reports from CiberCuba have raised questions about its political nature and its potential use by the regime to project an image of international support.
The disconnect between the convoy logistics and the daily reality of Cubans has also been criticized, characterized by blackouts, food shortages, lack of medicine, and serious transportation issues.
On social media, numerous users have questioned the real impact of the aid sent, as well as its final destination within a system where the State controls the distribution of resources.
Some voices have described the initiative as a form of "ideological tourism," more focused on political visibility than on providing sustainable solutions to the crisis.
Díaz-Canel's reaction to the arrival of the sailboats has only rekindled this debate, reinforcing the perception that the convoy has also been used as a tool for legitimation at a particularly critical moment for the country.
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