Cuban Journalist Faces Backlash Over Luxury Vehicle Purchase
Oliver Zamora Oria, a prominent Cuban journalist and RT correspondent in Havana, has found himself at the center of a controversy following his announcement of purchasing a Bestune T55 luxury SUV valued at $26,845. The vehicle, a compact SUV manufactured in China, is equipped with advanced features such as climate control, a rearview camera, and parking sensors.
The purchase, made through MCV Comercial S.A., a company representing brands like Mercedes-Benz in Cuba, sparked widespread criticism on social media. Critics highlighted the stark contrast between Zamora’s acquisition and the economic hardships faced by most Cubans, who struggle with frequent blackouts, food and medicine shortages, and rampant inflation.
In response to the backlash, Zamora took to Facebook to defend himself, claiming the vehicle is owned by his employer and not by him personally. “I don’t even have a bicycle, in fact, I don’t have a license either,” Zamora stated, suggesting that the car was provided for work-related purposes.
The controversy surrounding Zamora’s purchase highlights the deep-seated issues of economic inequality and the disconnect between Cuba’s official elites and the general population. As a correspondent for RT in Havana and a regular voice on national television defending the Cuban regime, Zamora’s actions have been seen as particularly tone-deaf given his role in criticizing those who he claims profit from the suffering of the Cuban people.
Supporters of Zamora, including fellow journalists and regime officials, have come to his defense. Ricardo Ronquillo, president of the Cuban Journalists’ Union (UPEC), spoke out against what he termed “moral and ethical lynching” of Zamora in the media. Other figures, such as Lázaro Manuel Alonso and Israel Rojas from the musical duo Buena Fe, also backed Zamora, labeling his critics as “scoundrels” and “morally sick.”
The incident has reignited debates about the privileges enjoyed by Cuba’s political and media elites, and the challenges faced by ordinary Cubans in accessing basic necessities. While Zamora can justify the purchase through his foreign currency earnings as an RT correspondent, the controversy underscores the credibility issues facing official journalism in Cuba and the widening gap between the ruling elite and the general population.
As Cuba continues to grapple with economic crisis and social unrest, cases like Zamora’s serve as a flashpoint for public frustration, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability among those in positions of power.
