Communist leader José Ramón Machado Ventura has stated that he never experienced any personal issues and was indifferent to his earnings while he was active in his role. In a conversation with official journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet, the staunch supporter of the regime's hardline policies dismissed the reputation of being "stingy" that some attribute to him within the Party, asserting that he simply enjoys "saving."
"On a personal level, I have no problems, nor did I ever care. I never knew what I earned or how much I was paid, and I never worried about it," he boasted.
He recounted an interaction, "One day, I believe it was Jarel who asked me, 'Well, how much do you want to earn? Or how much should you earn?' when I went to Matanzas as a minister. 'I don't know anything, whatever I get.' I went there without any concerns, never bothered about it," he added.
Machado Ventura's extensive career includes being a member of the Party's Central Committee and its Political Bureau. He served as Health Minister, First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Second Secretary of the Party. At the age of 90, "the man with the wig" was removed from the governmental power structure during the Party's eighth congress in April 2021. "I'm leaving now," he stated at the time. Yet, two years later, he was once again nominated to the National Assembly of People's Power.
The former official confessed to the Granma newspaper his desire to live 200 years to continue working and emphasized that the sacrifices his family endured throughout his life "were not for partying, but for work." He remarked, "Some people want to live longer to enjoy life; no, no, I want to live longer to work more, and to witness the development of this."
Insights on Machado Ventura's Career and Perspectives
What roles did Machado Ventura hold within the Cuban government?
Machado Ventura was a member of the Central Committee of the Party and its Political Bureau, served as Health Minister, First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Second Secretary of the Party.
How did Machado Ventura view his personal earnings during his career?
Machado Ventura claimed that he never paid attention to his earnings or salary, indicating that it was never a concern for him.
Why was Machado Ventura known as "the man with the wig"?
The nickname "the man with the wig" is a reference to his distinct appearance, although this detail is not elaborated in the article.