In an effort to calm a large-scale protest on Friday in Río Cauto, Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Granma, assured demonstrators that the revolution would not take away what it has provided, highlighting "electricity" as a key benefit. This protest was sparked by the arrest of a Cuban mother who had spoken out about scarcity and hunger in the area, leading hundreds to take to the streets demanding her release and improved living conditions.
The demonstration caught the regime off guard, prompting it to send officials and police to the scene. Amidst the unrest, the PCC secretary, the highest authority in the province, attempted to placate the crowd by claiming that "the revolution will not take away what it has given," referring to the "achievements" of the revolutionary process.
Ortiz Barceló, seemingly overlooking the frequent power outages that can last up to 23 hours a day, stated that "the Revolution was the one that provided electricity" to Río Cauto. She emphasized, "What was Río Cauto before the triumph of the Revolution? There was hardly anything. Everything built here is thanks to the Revolution."
The local broadcaster CMKX Radio Bayamo later released a statement acknowledging "dissatisfactions and complaints about real issues affecting daily life." However, it did not address the arrest of the Cuban mother or the government's attempt to discredit her earlier on Thursday.
The report noted, "Top Party and Government leaders in the province engaged in dialogue with those present. They discussed delays in basic food distribution, unpaid wages, water supply, milk sales, transportation, and the power generation deficit."
What began as a neighborhood protest on Friday escalated into a massive demonstration in Río Cauto, with hundreds demanding the release of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, a mother of three who was detained for protesting alone in public earlier in the week.
The protesters, primarily local residents, chanted slogans such as "Freedom for Mayelín" and displayed signs in her support, while others banged pots and pans until authorities arrived.
Key Questions on the Río Cauto Protest
What sparked the protest in Río Cauto?
The protest was triggered by the arrest of a Cuban mother, Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, who publicly denounced the scarcity and hunger in the region.
How did the authorities respond to the protest?
Authorities responded by dispatching officials and police to the area, and the PCC secretary engaged in a dialogue with the protesters, discussing various local issues.
What were the main demands of the protesters?
Protesters demanded the release of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez and called for better living conditions, including improved food distribution, wages, and utilities.