José Miguel Gómez Monument, Havana

The monument of José Miguel Gómez in Havana represents a complex symbol of the nation's turbulent past and the disputed legacy of one of its early leaders. Gómez, known for his military role in Cuba's independence wars against Spain in the late 19th century and later serving as the country's second president from 1909 to 1913, is a figure overshadowed by his involvement in quelling an uprising by AfroCuban rebels in 1912. This event, marked by significant violence and loss of life, has led to accusations of ethnic cleansing against Gómez, contributing to ongoing debates about his legacy.

The monument to Gómez was initially erected in 1936, reflecting a time when his contributions to Cuba's independence and early politics were honored. However, its existence has been unstable, reflecting changing perceptions of Gómez's place in Cuban history. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the statue was removed, symbolizing the rejection of the previous political order and its leaders. It was only restored in 1999, signaling a reassessment or at least a nuanced examination of the nation's past.

Further renovations in 2020 indicate continued interest in preserving historical sites and possibly ongoing reconsideration of Gómez's legacy. Despite physical restoration efforts, moral and historical judgment of Gómez, particularly regarding the 1912 suppression of AfroCuban rebels, remains contentious. The violent nature of this event and its high death toll continue to cast a shadow over Gómez's contributions to Cuba's independence.