Model and Hispanic television personality Haniset Rodríguez recently shared a video on Instagram, showcasing herself in a swimsuit waving the Cuban flag. The video, set to the song "Puente Libertad" by Jacob Forever, Yotuel, and El Chacal, was accompanied by a heartfelt message reflecting on her journey as a Cuban emigrant and the current challenges facing the island.
In the post's caption, Haniset shared a deeply personal and politically charged statement that resonated with her Cuban exile community followers.
"Throughout my life, I was surrounded by and lived through the struggles of my country, Cuba. It's painful to remember... but even more painful to know that many still endure those hardships daily," wrote the model, originally from Ciego de Ávila.
A Necessity to Leave
In her message, Haniset emphasized that emigration was an unavoidable choice for countless Cubans: "We weren't at fault for being born into a system that restricted us from the start. Leaving wasn't an easy choice... it was the only option many found to move forward."
The model also issued a pressing call for change: "A genuine change is urgently needed. No people should have to live with shortages, abuse, and a lack of opportunities."
Human Drama and Hope for Change
Haniset directly addressed the human drama: "Cuba is a land of good, noble people who don't deserve to be marked by farewells, separated families, and lives lost at sea in pursuit of something as fundamental as freedom."
She concluded her message with a poignant reflection filled with nostalgia and frustration: "And in the end, what remains is that... a lingering feeling, a burden carried through the years, and the sadness of watching time pass... with everything staying the same."
The selection of "Puente Libertad" as the video’s soundtrack was deliberate. Released on March 20, 2026, by Jacob Forever, El Chacal, Yotuel, and Ernesto Losa, the song envisions a symbolic bridge between Miami and Havana as a metaphor for a free Cuba. It was performed live at the Free Cuba Rally in Hialeah in front of hundreds of Cubans.
Building a Career in the U.S.
Haniset arrived in Miami at age 17 and established her career in the U.S. Hispanic television industry, appearing on shows such as Univision's Sábado Gigante and as a backup singer on América TeVé's TN3.
This isn't the first time Haniset has used the Cuban flag as a public symbol of her identity; in June 2022, she posed wrapped only in the national flag for a photo series.
Her post comes at a culturally and politically vibrant time for the Cuban exile community, as the island faces a severe economic, energy, and social crisis, driving massive emigration in recent years.
Understanding Haniset Rodríguez's Message and Impact
What was the main message in Haniset Rodríguez's Instagram post?
Haniset's main message was about the hardships faced by Cubans under an oppressive system, her own difficult choice to emigrate, and a call for urgent change in Cuba.
Why did Haniset Rodríguez choose "Puente Libertad" for her video?
She chose "Puente Libertad" for its symbolic representation of a connection between Miami and Havana, embodying the hope for a free Cuba.
How has Haniset Rodríguez expressed her Cuban identity in the past?
Previously, in June 2022, she posed wrapped in the Cuban flag for a photo series, using it as a powerful symbol of her heritage.