Hundreds of people reacted to an official post by the pro-government portal Cubadebate on August 13, the birthday of dictator Fidel Castro. Amid the commemorations that communists held in Cuba to "celebrate" the date, the state-run press couldn't miss dedicating a congratulatory message.
"Fidel is a country. Today Fidel would be 98 years old, and his legacy is felt in every corner of this nation, to which he made profound contributions in health, education, science, culture, sports, and idiosyncrasy," Cubadebate said on its Facebook profile.
In the comments section, many Cubans agreed that indeed, Fidel's imprint is evident in every corner of a country where hunger, scarcity, filth, and despair abound.
"Very true. His legacy today is reflected in every corner of the country filled with trash, debris, diseases, unsanitary conditions, theft by his family and cronies, and equally distributed poverty among the rest of the population. Misery and poverty shared equally," said an emigrant.
"Yes, they are right, it was a country, and since he stole all the businesses—because expropriating is stealing—he ruined the country, and what he and his corrupt cronies left behind was a floating garbage dump in the sea, shattered dreams, and a whole country that keeps migrating because there is no future. That was the country," stated another.
"The only post from Cubadebate that I agree with: his presence is in every corner of the island turned into ruins," remarked a woman from Houston.
"It's a country in darkness, filled with sadness and needs," affirmed a woman from Camagüey.
"Fidel is a country immersed in misery, hunger, need, sadness, separated families, people dying from lack of medicine. Cuba hurts and a lot, it hurts me, may God put his mantle over my island," wished a Cuban resident in Hialeah.
"Look at the streets, look at the balconies of Havana, look at the thermoelectric plants, look at the family plates at mealtime, look at the hospitals, the thousands of planes leaving full and returning empty, the political prisoners and the rising deaths. That and many other things are Fidel," assured a man from Bayamo.
"A country turned to ashes," emphasized another reader.
On Twitter, criticisms of Cubadebate's message also abound.
"The destructive work of the tyrant is present in every destroyed street and building, in every blackout, in every line, in every henchman who watches and represses his neighbors, in every dump, in every contaminated river, in every unhygienic hospital, and in every school without teachers," detailed the user identified as "Hunter of Ignorants 2."
"What legacy, the destruction and starvation of Cubans? That's a legacy, a communist dictatorship is the worst thing that can happen to a country; there is no food, no milk, no medicine, no electricity, no transportation, no gas, no human rights, the police and the army mistreat their people," denounced another called Javier.
"Fidel is in every pothole, in every line, in every school and hospital falling apart, in every raft fleeing the dictatorship. In every emaciated and malnourished body, in every empty pharmacy, in every crowded jail, in every henchman and censor, in every starving informant," detailed one identified as Armando.
Understanding Fidel Castro's Legacy in Cuba
This section aims to address common questions and provide insightful answers about Fidel Castro's legacy in Cuba, as discussed in the article.
What contributions did Fidel Castro make to Cuba?
According to Cubadebate, Fidel Castro made significant contributions in health, education, science, culture, sports, and idiosyncrasy. However, many Cubans argue that his legacy is more about poverty, scarcity, and repression.
How do Cubans perceive Fidel Castro's legacy today?
Many Cubans perceive Fidel Castro's legacy negatively, associating it with widespread poverty, lack of resources, and ongoing repression. They believe his so-called contributions have led to the country's current dire state.
Why is there criticism of Cubadebate's post on Fidel Castro's birthday?
Criticism stems from the stark contrast between the official narrative of Fidel Castro's contributions and the harsh realities faced by Cubans, including hunger, scarcity, and systemic decay, which many attribute to his rule.