Lis Cuesta, wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has once again pointed fingers at others while ignoring her own country's issues. This Tuesday, the dictator's spouse expressed her distress over the Middle East conflict with a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She included a video showing the effects of Israel's response to Hamas terrorists' attacks, stating, "A generation is being destroyed in Gaza; there are no schools," without mentioning that many schools in Cuba have started the academic year without maintenance.
Among these neglected institutions is the Holvein Quesada primary school in the Santa Amalia neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, which has suffered a partial collapse. The reactions to Cuesta's comments were swift and critical. One of the most impactful responses came from a user named Julio Suárez: "How many generations have you broken without bombs, through beatings and repression; without freedom to choose who governs? You've spent nearly a century ruining a country. That's why there's such enormous poverty, because you want everything for yourselves."
Echoing this sentiment, the profile La Mulata responded: "That's how Cuba is, but without people picking up the rubble. You destroy the country, families, hopes, and dreams. Stop pointing fingers at others. Stop blaming the United States, as the 'blockade' is just restrictions because you don't pay taxes and want everything for free."
User Charly was equally blunt in his response to Díaz-Canel's wife: "You dictators have destroyed more than three generations, watching Cuba fall apart without allowing anyone to fix what’s broken. Plus, millions are dying from hunger and separation."
Another user, Jícama, let pictures speak for themselves, illustrating the phrase "Cuba is being destroyed" with photos of collapsing buildings on the island.
Meanwhile, Chiny9901 replied, "There are no schools, books, or teachers in Cuba either, and I don't see you denouncing or demanding that your husband address this. Our country is in absolute misery. I don't care about Gaza. I care about Cuba. Stop looking the other way, hypocrite."
After this series of responses, Cubans essentially lamented that the first lady refuses to admit, as user Javier SB pointed out, that "Cuba is worse than Gaza."
According to the Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), 89% of the Cuban population lives in poverty. Seven out of ten Cubans have stopped having breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food scarcity, but Lis Cuesta does not denounce this.
Key Questions About Cuba's Current Situation
Given the ongoing criticisms of Lis Cuesta and the dire state of affairs in Cuba, many people have questions regarding the country's current situation. Here are some key questions and answers to provide more clarity.
What did Lis Cuesta say about Gaza?
Lis Cuesta posted on social media expressing her concern about the destruction in Gaza, stating that a generation is being destroyed there and highlighting the lack of schools.
How did Cubans react to Lis Cuesta's comments?
Cubans reacted critically, pointing out the severe issues in Cuba, such as the lack of maintenance in schools, widespread poverty, and the government's long-standing repression.
What does the Observatory of Human Rights say about poverty in Cuba?
The Observatory of Human Rights reports that 89% of the Cuban population lives in poverty, with 70% of Cubans skipping meals due to financial constraints or food shortages.