In the Cuban culture, "negrito" (literally, "little black male") when applied informally to a child or even a close aquaintance with no Negro blood, can be a friendly or even affectionate nickname, (just as an adult can call their lover or mistress "negro" or "negra" even though they may be of obvious blond European ancestry).

However, in this context, when used in reference to an adult of color who is obviously of a rank of importance and respect, it is most certainly a deliberate insult. It is curious that in this case, where it is clear that an effort is being made to denigrate (strange word, that!)
someone; the first choice of a fascist plutocrat is a racial slur. A leftist, seeking to insult an enemy, would instinctively attack their politics, not their skin color.

Dare we draw any conclusions from this?