Mario Urquía discusses the controversial theft of 19 thousand dollars from the Grand Lodge of Cuba.

Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño, who is officially the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Cuba (GLC) - although an increasing number of lodges do not recognize him as such - recently spoke out about the controversy that has shaken Cuban masonry in recent months, arising from the theft of 19,000 dollars from his office and his subsequent expulsion from the Order.

In a video directed to the members of the GLC - which was accessed by the independent media Cubanet - Urquía Carreño explained that the stolen money belonged to the National Masonic Asylum and addressed the accusations that have been made against him, including those of treason and theft. He also referred to a protest by Freemasons outside the GLC headquarters on July 23.

Until now, Mario Urquía had only issued official statements directed at the internal groups of Freemasonry. However, on this occasion, he decided to show his face.

"This Grand Master has had to make this video because the attack is too much already," he said about his decision to speak publicly.

Urquía Carreño categorically denied being responsible for the theft and clarified that the police document he signed, committing to return the money, does not imply an admission of guilt.

He explained that the delay in the return of the sum was due to the need to comply with Cuban laws, which require that the refund be made in Cuban pesos (CUP), resulting in a considerable loss due to the disparity with the value of the dollar in the informal market.

The Grand Master also questioned the initial statement issued by the Board of the National Masonic Asylum, calling it "incriminating."

He emphasized that he had already made a deposit of 270,000 CUP, equivalent to 1,000 USD, as a sign of his commitment to return the funds.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the authorities warned him to avoid any kind of currency trafficking, which he assures limited his actions to resolve the situation.

During the semiannual session of the High Chamber of the GLC, held on March 24, Urquía Carreño was expelled amid shouts of "traitor" and "thief."

However, government institutions of the Castro regime have backed his leadership, stating that the replacement lacks legality.

This situation has generated even more controversy within the Cuban masonry, dividing its members.

In his message, Urquía Carreño emphasized that the investigations carried out by the competent authorities have exonerated him from any responsibility regarding the theft of the money.

He also reported being a victim of a defamation campaign orchestrated by some members of the Cuban masonry, which he says has negatively affected his personal businesses and his ability to meet his financial commitments.

On July 23rd, about 200 Freemasons gathered at the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Cuba to demand Urquía's resignation. In his video, the Grand Master described the protest as a violation of Masonic laws and stated that he will not yield to pressure.

He stated that he will soon call a meeting with the representatives of the lodges, open to all masons who wish to participate, to clarify any doubts and resolve the current tensions.

Finally, the Grand Master expressed his intention to restore unity within Cuban masonry and requested the support of his Masonic brothers to defend the laws and principles of the GLC.

He also criticized the actions of the Supreme Council, accusing it of trying to undermine his leadership by spreading misleading information.

In this regard, he called on Cuban Freemasons not to be influenced by unfounded accusations and to work together to strengthen the Grand Lodge of Cuba. Urquía Carreño emphasized, finally, that despite everything, Cuban Freemasonry continues to be a strong and respected institution throughout the country.