Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez has sharply criticized Miguel Díaz-Canel for his recent actions. On Friday morning, Díaz-Canel flew to Caracas to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Nicolás Maduro, despite not having visited Holguín to address the situation of the 13 missing individuals following a military unit fire earlier in the week.
"Canel hasn't set foot in Holguín after the explosion, yet he's in Venezuela supporting his fellow dictator," Vázquez stated on his Facebook page, posting images of Díaz-Canel's arrival in Caracas. "He doesn't care about Cuba," he emphasized.
Díaz-Canel was one of the few presidents attending Maduro's controversial inauguration. He traveled with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and other high-ranking officials, notably without Lis Cuesta.
Crisis in Holguín Amid Government Indifference
Meanwhile, in Holguín, families of the 13 missing individuals have expressed frustration over the government's inaction in searching for their loved ones. "They haven't searched at all. Officials told the families they couldn't search because it might cause more explosions, and they couldn't risk additional lives. We have to wait 72 hours," lamented Jesús Antonio, uncle of 19-year-old recruit Liander José García Oliva.
"They visited the parents and communicated there was no chance of survival, saying if anyone were alive, they would have tried to escape by now. It pains me because they declared them dead without looking for them," he added.
Community's Fear and Uncertainty
In an apparent display of disregard and lack of empathy, Díaz-Canel has shown no concern for the residents of the Melones community, who experienced panic and distress as explosions erupted from the munitions warehouse fire. Initially, most residents stayed in their homes, but soon realized fleeing was their safest option.
Videos circulating on social media depict the fear and confusion among locals as they heard the blasts without knowing their source. People ran from their homes, calling out to each other. "Oh my God! Let's all go, let's get out of here!" cried a terrified woman.
Hours after the incident, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) confirmed that 13 individuals are missing: four officers and nine soldiers, many of whom are presumed dead.
The tragic event was triggered by a fire while sorting aging munitions.
Key Questions on the Holguín Explosion and Government Response
Why hasn't Díaz-Canel visited Holguín after the explosion?
Díaz-Canel has not visited Holguín following the explosion, choosing instead to attend Nicolás Maduro's inauguration in Venezuela, which has led to criticism of his priorities.
What is the status of the missing individuals from the Holguín explosion?
As of now, 13 people are missing—four officers and nine soldiers. They are feared dead, and families are frustrated with the lack of search efforts.
How did the community of Melones react to the explosion?
Residents of Melones experienced panic and distress, initially staying in their homes but eventually fleeing as the explosions continued.