Mariela Castro Espín, who heads the National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex), welcomed members of the so-called Convoy Nuestra América in Havana on Friday. This international group, comprised of leftist activists and politicians, is known for promoting solidarity efforts with the Cuban government.
As reported by Cenesex on their Facebook page, Castro Espín discussed with the visitors the main objectives of the institution and the achievements, according to official narratives, that Cuba has made in sexual education, gender equality, and human rights.
Present at the meeting were activists and specialists connected to organizations supported by Cenesex, including representatives from networks of people living with HIV/AIDS and those involved in LGBTI advocacy on the island.
During the discussion, the challenges Cuba faces were highlighted, attributed to the "tightening of hostile and suffocating policies" by the United States government—a frequently used argument by Cuban authorities to explain the country's severe economic and energy crises.
The international convoy members also expressed their support for the Cuban government. According to a post on the Facebook page Cuba Analysis, the delegation traveled to Havana with donations, aiming to show solidarity against what they described as the "imperialist aggression" of the United States.
This visit is part of a series of meetings held recently with Cuban state officials and institutions, including exchanges with the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The presence of Convoy Nuestra América has sparked significant criticism among Cubans both inside and outside the island, who question the role of these foreign visitors amidst the severe economic hardship affecting the population.
On Saturday, journalist Yoani Sánchez took to social media to voice her disapproval of these visits, stating, “We are not a theme park. Go do ideological tourism somewhere else. We are suffering here.” Her comment echoes a sentiment shared by intellectuals and citizens who decry the political exploitation of Cuba's crisis.
Previously, musicologist and historian Rosa Marquetti criticized what she termed the “folklorization of misery” in Cuba, questioning international initiatives that, in her view, turn the country's situation into a symbolic stage for ideological debates.
The criticisms have intensified following remarks from some Convoy members, like former Spanish vice-president Pablo Iglesias, who have downplayed the severity of the internal situation or blamed the crisis solely on external factors.
Understanding the Convoy Nuestra América's Impact on Cuba
What is the Convoy Nuestra América?
The Convoy Nuestra América is an international initiative composed of leftist activists and politicians who aim to support the Cuban government through solidarity actions.
Why has the Convoy Nuestra América faced criticism?
The convoy has been criticized for its perceived role in exploiting Cuba's crisis for ideological purposes, with many Cubans questioning the appropriateness of foreign involvement during such a severe economic hardship.
What did Yoani Sánchez say about the Convoy's visit?
Yoani Sánchez expressed her disapproval on social media, stating that Cuba is not a theme park for ideological tourism, highlighting the suffering of the Cuban people.