In a surprising move, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to his official X account (formerly known as Twitter) to commemorate Sugar Workers' Day, a message that quickly went viral due to its stark contrast with Cuba's current production reality. “Today marks Sugar Workers' Day, a date that commemorates the signing of Law 890 in 1960, which transferred over a hundred sugar mills into the hands of the revolutionary government. To the members of this important sector, who understand the significant challenge they face, congratulations,” the leader of the so-called “continuity” expressed on Tuesday.
This seemingly benign message stirred a storm of satirical, critical, and angry reactions from observers who witness the irreversible collapse of an industry that, in the 2024–2025 harvest, produced less than 150,000 tons—the lowest figure in over a century.
The Irony Behind Díaz-Canel's Congratulations
Díaz-Canel’s message was deemed absurd by analysts and citizens alike: celebrating something that barely exists anymore. Criticism and ridicule poured into the comments section of his post. “Another socialist achievement: sugar country without sugar,” one user quipped. “A little decency: Cuba was the largest sugar producer in 1960. Now it has to import sugar,” another reminded. “No sugar, no salt, no fish… no life or future under your rule,” a third commented.
Irony became the common response: congratulating the "sugar sector" in a context where the industry is on its last legs, sugar mills are in ruins, and large portions of the country consume imported sugar. One user reflected on the past: “152 sugar mills to be more precise. Today, barely 15 are operational, and you are so cynical to talk about ‘important sector.’”
Voices of Dissent and Historical Context
The publication also reignited criticism of the official discourse, which often celebrates symbolic figures not grounded in reality. Users reminded Díaz-Canel of his recent meeting with Chinese sugar industry entrepreneurs, hoping to revive the struggling national sugar agro-industry with foreign investment.
Among the most resonant comments was that of Rocío Monasterio, a Spanish politician from Vox with Cuban roots: “They have no shame. They have ruined the sugar sector. Mills with ridiculous production, outdated, falling apart. And what is sadder, the Cuban people suffering like never before,” criticized the Spanish representative.
Monasterio, who has familial ties to the once-thriving Cuban sugar business, reacted with evident anger. Her paternal ancestors owned the Compañía Azucarera Atlántica del Golfo and the Manuelita sugar mill, which were listed on the New York Stock Exchange before being expropriated after the so-called “Cuban revolution,” from which Díaz-Canel claims “continuity.”
Propaganda or Reality Check?
Many independent media and voices saw the incongruity of celebrating a dying sector as a propaganda maneuver: using historical dates to project normalcy where it doesn't exist. As one person put it: “It’s like awarding a terminally ill patient for their health.”
Commentators warned that such gestures reflect a government unable to sustain real achievements, resorting instead to ritualistic gestures to maintain the illusion of a functional national industry. “Talking about Sugar Workers' Day when you destroyed the sugar industry is insulting. You nationalized to ‘rescue’ it and ended up burying it. No sugar, no mills, no shame," a Cuban woman fumed. “Today, sugar is conspicuous by its absence, but go ahead, celebrate with an imaginary sugarcane juice, which is all that’s left,” another added.
Others pointed out that this rhetorical policy is part of a narrative control strategy: celebrating even what doesn't exist to prevent the state from losing legitimacy among its base of supporters. Ultimately, the collective response was clear: one does not congratulate what is falling, one corrects it. Yet, the state persists with its symbolic gestures, disconnected from the tangible reality of the country.
Key Questions About Cuba's Sugar Industry Crisis
Why did Díaz-Canel's message about Sugar Workers' Day receive backlash?
Díaz-Canel's message received backlash because it praised a sugar industry that is largely defunct, highlighting a stark contrast with the industry's reality and sparking criticism and satire.
How has Cuba's sugar production changed since 1960?
Cuba was once the largest sugar producer in 1960, but its production has drastically declined, with the 2024–2025 harvest yielding less than 150,000 tons, the lowest in over a century.
What role does foreign investment play in Cuba's sugar industry revival efforts?
Foreign investment, particularly from Chinese entrepreneurs, is hoped to help revive Cuba's struggling sugar industry, as stated in Díaz-Canel's recent meetings.