The Banco de Crédito y Comercio (Bandec) said that it "feels human" on Facebook and announced the establishment of a bank account to raise funds for those affected by natural disasters in the eastern part of the country.
Its goal is to channel the donations that the population wishes to make. Money transfers can be made through various platforms such as Transfermóvil, Enzona, and the Kiosco portal, as well as through cash deposits at Bandec branches.
The Cuban government has applied this strategy in other natural disasters. It did so in 2022 after the passage of Hurricane Ian, and also in 2020 to receive donations aimed at producing food during the coronavirus pandemic.
While the solidarity of the Cuban people is undeniable in emergency situations, this state initiative raises serious questions about the government's ability to fulfill its responsibilities in terms of caring for the affected citizens.
In a country where the State controls almost the entire economy, it is concerning that it has to invite, attract, and seek voluntary contributions from the population, which is already extremely impoverished, instead of having its own funds for these purposes.
It is important to remember that the government of Cuba, for several years now, instead of donating food, usually sells it to the affected people. This happened after the collapses in La Lisa in March 2024, following some floods in Havana, and on other previous occasions.
This is compounded by the lack of transparency that has historically characterized resource management in Cuba. Citizens lack assurances that their donations will actually be used to help those most in need.
Ultimately, the fundraising for the affected through Bandec seems to be a strategy of the Cuban government to divert its responsibility in emergency management, using the solidarity of the population for its own narrative benefit.
What do you think?
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