Sandro Castro, a Cuban entrepreneur and influencer, known as the grandson of the late dictator Fidel Castro, stirred up controversy this weekend with his first public comments about José Daniel Ferrer García. Ferrer, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was recently exiled to the United States by the Havana regime.
Using his Instagram stories, Sandro shared a photo of himself wearing dark sunglasses and a suit, accompanied by a follower's question: "What do you think about what happened with José Daniel Ferrer?" His response, unexpectedly poetic, was: "A man with his perspectives, his ideals, his way of thinking. I would gift him a white rose."
This phrase alludes to the poem "Cultivo una rosa blanca" by José Martí, a symbol of reconciliation and peace, which Ferrer—currently in exile in Miami—has cited as emblematic of his non-violent struggle against the Cuban dictatorship.
Ambiguous Tribute or Cynical Provocation?
Without mentioning Ferrer's political imprisonment, the brutal repression he has endured for over 20 years, the beatings, physical and psychological torture he has suffered, or the cause of freedom that has driven his activism and fueled his courage, Castro expressed respect for his ideals, quoting Martí in a way that sparked debate. The mention of the Martí poem could be interpreted as a gesture of respect or recognition towards Ferrer, or as an offer of forgiveness and compassion, echoing the Apostle's spirit by promoting peace and dialogue with the enemy.
The Privileged Perspective of Sandro Castro
However, given Sandro Castro's status as a privileged "heir" with clear ties to State Security and other power structures within the regime, his response could easily be seen as another of his provocations or one of his many cynical theatrics.
In recent months, Sandro has ventured into commenting on sensitive issues such as power outages, food shortages, and the deteriorating water supply system, but always from the perspective of a privileged individual, often with a mocking tone and lacking empathy for the majority of Cubans.
A Stark Contrast
While Ferrer publicly denounces the repression and torture by the regime ruling his country, the grandson of the regime's founder indulges in frivolity, parties, and efforts to draw or divert the attention of Cubans.
The stark contrast between these two figures and Sandro's flippant reference to Ferrer has been insulting to many, with the "white rose" message seen as an attempt to co-opt Martí's symbolism from the comfort of his inherited power, rather than a genuine gesture of peace.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Sandro Castro's Remarks
What did Sandro Castro say about José Daniel Ferrer?
Sandro Castro commented on José Daniel Ferrer by saying he would gift him a white rose, referencing a poem by José Martí, symbolizing peace and reconciliation.
Why did Sandro Castro's comments cause controversy?
His comments were seen as ambiguous and possibly cynical, given his privileged ties to the Cuban regime and the stark contrast with Ferrer's activism against the dictatorship.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and a prominent dissident recently exiled to the United States for his opposition to the Cuban regime.