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The recent debate between musician Israel Rojas, leader of the duo Buena Fe, and state journalist Michel E. Torres Corona has sparked discussions on social media, following statements made by activist Carlos Lazo, who reported that the Cuban government is blocking the direct delivery of donations of medical supplies to hospitals on the island.
It all started when Lazo, the leader of the "Bridges of Love" project, reported on his social media that the Cuban authorities do not allow his organization to directly deliver powdered milk and other supplies to pediatric hospitals, something they had been doing for years.
The publication generated immediate reactions. The official portal Cubadebate published an article titled "Cuba has never denied access to solidarity groups in health institutions," refuting Lazo's claims.
The text was shared by Torres and received a strong response from Rojas, known for his close stance to the government. The one from Buena Fe surprised the authorities with his comment: "Cubadebate lies. This time it lies, and I regret it," he said.
A Torres, a socialist figure and communicator connected to state media, did not like the singer's response.
This is a very serious allegation. If that were the case, I hope evidence is presented so that the truth comes to light. The digital catharsis has only caused discomfort. It has harmed the country we are trying to save. And above all and everyone, Cuba should come first, as an altar and not a pedestal," said Torres, quoting José Martí.
Rojas, far from retracting, insisted: "Before getting here, everything possible was done to raise the alarm, but lately, trying to alert and put a patch before the sore breaks out seems like an exercise in futility. Believe me... I don't get involved in these messes to gain anything. The one who loses is Cuba. Cuba and its best people."
Torres wanted to have the last word, and Rojas allowed it. "I trust in your good will. I still find the way this has been handled publicly to be inappropriate," said the representative from Con Filo.
This public confrontation reflects the growing tensions between figures who have traditionally aligned with the official narrative and are now expressing their disagreement with certain government decisions.
The shift in Carlos Lazo's stance, from government ally to critic of its internal obstacles, seems to have sparked a broader debate about the management of humanitarian aid and transparency in Cuba.
Reactions of the Cuban government to Lazo's accusations
On Saturday, Israel Rojas publicly expressed his support for Carlos Lazo. He noted that the treatment of the activists from "Puentes de Amor" had shifted "from admiration to avoidance" and reaffirmed that the challenges reported by the Cuban American were real and profoundly unjust.
On the same day, the Cuban government responded to the accusations through an official statement from the Ministry of Public Health, denying the restrictions and assuring that the donations reach their intended destination.
Additionally, they stated that Lazo was not truthful and that existing regulations only aim to organize the receipt and distribution of humanitarian aid. They clarified that direct deliveries require prior coordination to avoid interruptions in the assistance processes of medical centers.
On his part, former spy Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), stated that "Puentes de Amor" receives photographic evidence of the delivery of its donations and that the regulations in the country are not meant to hinder, but to organize the distribution process of those resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy between Israel Rojas, Michel Torres, and Carlos Lazo
Why has Israel Rojas accused Cubadebate of lying?
Israel Rojas accused Cubadebate of lying because the official portal denied Carlos Lazo's claims about the Cuban government's restrictions on the delivery of medical supplies to hospitals. Rojas, known for his support of the regime, surprised the authorities by backing Lazo, stating that Cubadebate lied in its publication.
What complaints has Carlos Lazo made regarding the Cuban government?
Carlos Lazo denounced that the Cuban government imposes restrictions on the direct delivery of donations of medical supplies and powdered milk to pediatric hospitals. According to Lazo, these measures hinder the humanitarian work that his organization, Puentes de Amor, has been carrying out in Cuba for years.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban regime to Carlos Lazo's accusations?
The Cuban regime denied obstructing the delivery of donations, claiming that access for solidarity groups to health institutions has never been restricted. However, it was acknowledged that on one occasion entry was denied to Lazo, although it is asserted that donations have always been documented.
How has Carlos Lazo's stance towards the Cuban government evolved?
Carlos Lazo has transitioned from being an ally of the Cuban government to a critic of its internal obstacles. Initially known for his advocacy for lifting the U.S. embargo and his collaboration with the regime, Lazo now denounces restrictions imposed by Cuban authorities that hinder his humanitarian work on the island.
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