Prominent Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer recently extended his congratulations to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta, emphasizing the significant influence of his reporting. Ferrer humorously remarked that even Beatriz Johnson, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Santiago de Cuba, prefers Mayeta's updates over official state media. "They say Johnson gets her news from you, not the official outlets," Ferrer quipped in a video message directed at Mayeta, which was shared on Mayeta's Facebook profile.
Ferrer praised Mayeta's journalistic efforts and recounted how his work has become a topic of conversation throughout Santiago de Cuba. He shared an anecdote from his time at Mar Verde prison, where a prison guard admitted to following Mayeta's reports and deemed them credible. "A brave prison guard, since others feared speaking to me, approached and asked, 'Do you know Mayeta?' I replied, of course, I do—he's my friend, a member of UNPACU, an excellent journalist, and we were neighbors. She responded, 'I always watch Mayeta; everything he says is true,'" Ferrer recounted.
The video was recorded during a lengthy power outage of over 12 hours, highlighting the dire state of the electrical system in Santiago de Cuba. Ferrer concluded his message by sending warm regards to Mayeta and reaffirming his admiration for his courageous work in exposing the harsh realities of Cuba.
In a notable development last October, the hashtag "Súbelo Mayeta," which compiles grievances from the people of Santiago de Cuba and is sent to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, evolved into a protest in the form of a conga. Mayeta himself shared a reel on Facebook showing a large group of young people performing a conga, using makeshift musical instruments while chanting "Súbelo Mayeta."
Insights on Independent Journalism in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and activist known for his criticism of the Cuban government and his efforts to promote democracy and human rights.
What role does Yosmany Mayeta play in Cuban media?
Yosmany Mayeta is an independent journalist whose reporting highlights issues within Cuba, gaining significant attention and credibility among the Cuban populace, even surpassing state media in influence.
What is the significance of the "Súbelo Mayeta" hashtag?
The "Súbelo Mayeta" hashtag has become a symbol of protest and a way for the people of Santiago de Cuba to voice their grievances, significantly impacting social media and public demonstrations.