The Cuban government has introduced a new propaganda strategy known as "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates," orchestrated by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). This initiative aims to redirect blame for the country's economic and social turmoil by pointing fingers at the sanctions imposed by the United States, particularly those from the Trump administration.
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the CDR, announced the commencement of these debates in Hatibonico, a municipality in Caimanera, located in the province of Guantánamo. The event featured the presence of the province's first secretary of the Communist Party, Yoel A. Pérez Bravo. Nordelo stated that these meetings are designed to foster "dialogue with the people" and strengthen the government's narrative on the impact of the U.S. embargo.
One of these debates, titled "Sports in the Neighborhood," was held in the Santa Rosa community in Guantánamo and concluded with a recreational sports festival. Additionally, members of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Las Tunas participated in another meeting, using hashtags like #TumbaElBloqueo and #CubaVencerá to promote the event on social media.
Cuban television has announced the schedule for these gatherings, highlighting the involvement of Aranelys Barban Rodríguez, a member of the National Secretariat of the CDR, who confirmed that the debates would officially commence on February 18. "This is how our organization spreads information to the CDR members to counteract the poison spread by other misinformation channels," stated Barban Rodríguez.
The government's plan includes holding 1,401 debates across the nation by July. During these sessions, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) and other specialists will convey the officialist message to Cuban families.
The island authorities argue that these meetings are essential in the face of a possible tightening of U.S. policies towards Cuba. However, the reality is that the CDR has lost much of its influence in Cuban society, and participation in such events is dwindling. In an attempt to boost attendance, Barban Rodríguez has invited CDR members to a "casino dance" event on February 22 at La Piragua, a strategy that signals the regime's desperation to keep alive an organization that has fallen into irrelevance.
While the government pushes these debates, the country is grappling with an unprecedented economic downturn. Food and essential goods shortages are worsening, power outages are frequent, and workers' salaries are insufficient to meet their needs. Moreover, the dollarization of the economy continues to advance, while stores operating in Cuban pesos are vanishing, deepening the crisis. In this context, the "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" appear to be a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues plaguing Cuba.
Understanding the "Anti-Imperialist Neighborhood Debates"
What is the purpose of the "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" in Cuba?
The "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" aim to redirect blame for Cuba's economic and social crises by focusing on U.S. sanctions, particularly those from the Trump administration, rather than on internal issues.
Who is organizing these debates?
The debates are organized by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), with the involvement of government officials and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How are these debates being promoted?
The debates are promoted through Cuban television and social media platforms, utilizing hashtags to increase visibility and engagement among the public.