On Wednesday, Miguel Díaz-Canel took to X and Facebook to praise Cuba's achievements in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. However, the Cuban leader's opening remark ignited a wave of public backlash that quickly exposed his disregard for the nation's plight.
"Amid the complexities we face, we continue to appreciate the efforts of our athletes in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo," Díaz-Canel stated, using "complexities" as a euphemism for a severe crisis marked by persistent blackouts, food shortages, and a widespread breakdown of essential services.
Many Cubans perceived this term as a deliberate downplaying of the harsh realities endured by those living on the Island.
In the same message, Díaz-Canel praised the athletic achievements of three gold medalists: Leyanis for her prowess in the triple jump, Anisleidis for her strategy in the 5,000 meters, and the young Hodelín for his dominance in the long jump. He also acknowledged the efforts of wrestlers and hockey teams, with a special mention of the women's team goalie who blocked four penalty shots in the final.
Nevertheless, the sports context presents challenges for the regime: Cuba finished third in the medal tally with 31 golds, 26 silvers, and 35 bronzes, falling short of the official target of at least 67 golds, and trailing behind Mexico and Colombia.
This marked the first time in history that Cuba did not secure one of the top two positions in the Central American and Caribbean Games.
The phrase "complexities" is not new in Díaz-Canel's rhetoric. On July 30, he remarked, "The path is difficult, the situation is complex, but our determination to succeed is unshakeable."
The leader's coverage of the games had already stirred controversy: rowers Leah Daniela Almeida and Ana Laura Jiménez, who won Cuba's first bronze on July 25 in the lightweight women's double sculls, were conspicuously absent from his posts, coinciding with one of them defecting from the delegation.
This selective omission, coupled with the euphemistic portrayal of the crisis, fueled reactions from Cubans who highlighted the disconnect between official language and the everyday struggles faced by those on the Island.
The tweet garnered a mere 15 comments, most of which were critical, compared to 336 "likes" on the platform.
This is not the first time Díaz-Canel's references to the country's "complexities" have drawn public outrage. For millions of Cubans coping with daily power cuts exceeding 12 hours, endless queues, and empty shelves, the term is as ineffective as the government that utters it.
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
What did Díaz-Canel mean by "complexities"?
Díaz-Canel used the term "complexities" to subtly refer to the ongoing crisis in Cuba, which includes long-lasting power outages, food shortages, and deteriorating essential services.
How did Cubans react to Díaz-Canel's message?
Cubans reacted critically to Díaz-Canel's message, perceiving his use of "complexities" as a minimization of their hardships, sparking public outrage and backlash.
Why was Cuba's performance in the games significant?
Cuba's performance was notable because it was the first time the country did not finish in one of the top two positions in the Central American and Caribbean Games, highlighting the regime's sports-related challenges.