The Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez, known for his character Facundo Correcto from the show Vivir del cuento, posted a reflection on Facebook in which he thanked the United States Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, for his intervention on Monday at the General Assembly, where he showcased evidence of the luxuries enjoyed by the Cuban elite in stark contrast to the misery of the people.
Vázquez acknowledged that, although he usually addresses the topic with humor, Waltz's speech deserves a different treatment: "Even though I make jokes about what happened at the UN, I must recognize that every word spoken by the representative of the United States of America was firm, direct, real, based on irrefutable evidence accumulated over years of a kleptocracy of dictators who thrive on lying with the old tale of socialism while they are the most capitalist in their way of life."
The actor emphasized that Waltz showed photographs of Rolex watches, mansions, and yachts belonging to the Cuban nomenclature to all nations, and denounced the hypocrisy of the regime in blaming the blackout on the embargo while its leaders have access to oil to light up their residences.
"She highlighted to all nations how there is no fuel for ambulances, but there is always gasoline or oil available for police patrols and special forces that suppress those who express themselves freely or peacefully protest against the regime," wrote Vázquez.
The comedian also referred to the attempts by the Cuban delegation to interrupt the session, led by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who even physically advanced toward the podium and called Waltz a "liar," forcing the Assembly President to briefly suspend the session.
For Vázquez, that reaction was an unmistakable sign: "That's why it hurt them so much. They tried to sabotage the session, but this courageous spokesperson came back with even more compelling evidence that ridiculed them further."
Ambassador Waltz, far from conceding, replied to the Cuban chancellor: "Mr. Chancellor, this is how this is going to work: every time you interrupt me, I will continue to explain just how corrupt this regime is, and I will do it more slowly."
Vázquez's post comes just days after his return to social media following an urgent hospitalization on October 22 in Miami, when he experienced a diabetic decompensation while driving, with glucose levels at 273 mg/dL and blood pressure of 80/40 mmHg.
Waltz's speech had concrete consequences on Tuesday's vote regarding the annual resolution calling for the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba: only 130 countries supported the resolution, compared to 17 votes against and 25 abstentions, marking the most unfavorable outcome for the regime since it began presenting this initiative in 1992.
Vázquez concluded his reflection with a statement that captures the sentiments of many Cubans in exile: "What the communists do not understand is that truth always prevails, sooner or later. I have no doubt that this man was the true voice of every dignified Cuban. And I am grateful for that."
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