A Cuban woman, identified on Instagram as Kiele, posted a video on Friday responding to climate activist Greta Thunberg regarding Cuba. In the video, Kiele challenges Thunberg’s recent statements, where the Swedish activist characterized the U.S. Embargo as a “brutal act of collective punishment” and voiced support for an international convoy heading to Havana.
The video, titled “A response to @gretathunberg from an Actual Cuban,” quickly gained traction, accumulating nearly 39,000 views, over 6,500 likes, and 534 comments within days. Kiele, who describes herself as a U.S. Military spouse and a defender of freedom, directly refutes Thunberg’s arguments, stating, “We necessitate to talk about what is happening in Cuba right now. What we need to discuss is how you, Greta, need to mind your own business and educate yourself about the reality of what is currently happening in Cuba.”
A History of Activism
Kiele Alessandra Cabrera is a Cuban-American student at the University of Florida. She previously gained attention on May 31, 2021, when she disrupted a baseball game between Cuba and Venezuela in West Palm Beach, Florida, by running onto the field with a sign reading “Free Cuba” and displaying a fist in handcuffs – an image associated with rapper Maykel Osorbo.
Kiele’s response was prompted by Thunberg’s public statement on March 12, in which she supported the Convoy Nuestra América, an international initiative scheduled to arrive in Havana on March 21. Thunberg similarly praised Cuban medical missions in countries like Angola and Jamaica, concluding her message with the slogan: “¡Cuba sí, bloqueo no!” The convoy has the support of figures including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
Kiele strongly rejects this framing, arguing that the suffering of the Cuban people is a direct result of mismanagement by the Cuban state. She asserts that the “Castro regime” and its military apparatus are worth billions, while the average Cuban struggles to locate food and survive on a communist rationing system.
Regarding the Cuban medical missions, Kiele is critical, stating there is “ample documentation” that these missions are a cover for state-organized human trafficking. The U.S. State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report classifies the program as such, documenting the retention of 75% to 95% of doctors’ salaries and the confiscation of their passports.
Kiele also questions Thunberg’s consistency, asking if it isn’t “ironic that the people you say are being strangled by Trump’s wars are celebrating your military actions.” She accuses Thunberg of repeating slogans without understanding the reality of the situation, claiming she has been “trained by your communist handlers to say slogans like ‘let Cuba live’ and ‘stop strangling Cuba.’”
Recent Protests in Cuba
The video’s release coincided with ongoing protests in Cuba following the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant on March 8, resulting in power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily. On Friday, protesters in Morón reportedly set fire to the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party. On Sunday, residents of Santiago de Cuba shouted “Down with the dictatorship!” and “Freedom!” in the early morning hours. Justicia 11J estimates there are at least 760 political prisoners on the island.
Kiele concluded her message with a direct appeal to Thunberg: “Do us all Cubans a favor, Greta, and mind your own business. ¡Viva Cuba Libre!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Kiele’s video response?
Kiele responded to a public statement by Greta Thunberg on March 12, in which Thunberg supported the Convoy Nuestra América and praised Cuban medical missions.
What is Kiele’s background?
Kiele Alessandra Cabrera is a Cuban-American student at the University of Florida and the wife of a U.S. Military member. She previously protested at a baseball game in 2021, displaying a “Free Cuba” sign.
What does Kiele allege about Cuban medical missions?
Kiele claims that Cuban medical missions are a cover for state-organized human trafficking, citing the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, which documents the retention of a significant portion of doctors’ salaries and the confiscation of their passports.
As protests continue and international figures weigh in, what role will external support play in shaping the future of Cuba?
