The United States secretly dispatched a delegation to Cuba for the first time in ten years, convening talks in Havana with representatives of Cuban leadership, including Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro. This meeting marked the first such contact since former U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba in 2016.
Rodriguez Castro, a key figure within Cuba’s elite, is part of a narrow circle influencing critical sectors including tourism, imports, and infrastructure—valued at an estimated $11 billion. He began his career as his grandfather’s personal bodyguard, gaining access to high-level decision-making circles. Over time, he oversaw security operations and developed a network that solidified his position within the elite.
Rodriguez Castro holds significant influence by controlling access to his 94-year-old grandfather, Raul Castro, who maintains a shadowy but active presence in Cuban affairs. This connection makes him a crucial intermediary for communication among the elite. He has earned two nicknames: “Crab,” referencing his birth with six fingers, and “Super Grandson,” highlighting his unique role within the family.
During Cuba’s tourism surge from 2016 to 2018—when annual visitor numbers reached 4 million to 4.7 million—the U.S. delegation was facilitated through Rodriguez Castro’s security network. Notable events include the protection of high-profile guests such as Beyonce and Jay-Z during their wedding anniversary celebration in Havana.
Rodriguez Castro has also been seen at private social gatherings, including a 2017 event with the Cuban musical group Gente de Zona in Varadero. Despite his elite status, he holds only a military rank of colonel and does not occupy prominent positions within Cuba’s government or Communist Party structures.
In 2022, Rodriguez Castro was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in serious injuries to a 19-year-old girl. The incident has drawn criticism due to the lack of public investigation and inadequate support for the victim.
