Shortly after Sandro Castro suggested that Gerardo Hernández was trying to mimic him with a tricycle, the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) shared a video on social media. In the clip, Hernández is seen driving a pedicab during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm sorry if the enemies of the Revolution dislike seeing us in a pedicab, but I got my license many years ago," Hernández declared while posting the footage. The video shows him navigating the streets of Havana with a face mask, similar to other people in public spaces during a time marked by health restrictions.
The post has mostly garnered critical responses. Some users mocked the situation. One wrote, "Watch out for the handlebars and the roof of the pedicab," while another commented, "Cornelio rides a bike so well."
Direct criticisms also emerged. One user stated, "Mocking the people doesn't suit you," while another noted, "How can you make fun of the people?"
Comments continued in the same critical vein: "Hilarious how you play with the Cuban's misfortune" and "Ridiculousness is becoming trendy in this country."
Some users also poked fun at Hernández's explanation: "Already rehearsing?" and "The person who gave you the license should be arrested because a millimeter more and you'd be on the sidewalk." Others highlighted the opportunistic nature of the video: "That was during COVID; do it now" and "Of course, posting old videos."
References to Sandro Castro were also prevalent: "Competing with Sandro for who is more ridiculous"; "Cornelio, you're always so creative, becoming a communist influencer. Now Sandro Castro has competition"; "Trying to imitate Sandro"; "Wanting to match Sandro" and "Now everyone wants to hop on the tricycle show," they said.
This episode unfolded after Sandro Castro remarked, "Now he wants to imitate me with the tricycle," referring to Hernández's appearance using such transportation.
Following the release of images of Hernández in La Güinera, social media users responded with criticism and ridicule, also hinting that he was trying to act funny or copy Fidel Castro's grandson: "Competing with Sandro," they commented.
The exchange between these two figures has fueled an ongoing debate on social media, where posts from leaders linked to the power structure often evoke critical reactions when perceived as disconnected from Cuba's everyday reality.
Controversy Over Pedicab Video
Why did Gerardo Hernández share a video of himself driving a pedicab?
Gerardo Hernández shared the video in response to comments from Sandro Castro, suggesting that Hernández was trying to imitate him by using a tricycle. Hernández stated the video was from the COVID-19 pandemic period.
What was the public reaction to Hernández's video?
The majority of the reactions to Hernández's video were critical, with many users mocking and questioning his motives, accusing him of making fun of the Cuban people or trying to compete with Sandro Castro.
How did Sandro Castro respond to the video?
Sandro Castro remarked that Hernández was trying to imitate him with the tricycle, contributing to the ongoing social media discussion and rivalry between the two figures.