"I can't sit down at the table to eat without knowing what my mom or dad are having, not just on New Year's Eve, but any day." This was the sentiment expressed by a Cuban living in the United States in a video that sparked a debate among emigrants about sending money to their families on the island.
The author of the message, psychologist Carelis Conde, openly shared her perspective and made it clear that, while she prioritizes her own well-being, she cannot ignore the needs of those she left behind.
In her reflection shared on her TikTok account @carelisconde, she candidly addressed the dilemma many Cubans abroad face and made it clear that she did not intend to judge those who make different choices. However, she called for respect towards those who prioritize their loved ones. “Everyone is free to think and act differently, and it’s not my intention to change your perspective, but please respect mine and my pain, because it’s not about money or politics; it’s about blood and feelings.”
The post generated a flood of comments, dividing opinions between those who share her stance and those who believe that sending money supports the political system on the island.
Some users expressed their full support: “First you are a child, then you are a patriot”; “My family comes first, I don’t believe in any social media tough guy”; “For my family in Cuba, my mother, my son, and my siblings, I would send them the heavens if they asked for it, and above that, no one else matters”; “I can't enjoy a loaf of bread knowing that my mother has nothing to eat.”
Other comments highlighted the sacrifice involved in sending remittances to Cuba: “My money is mine, and if I have to work myself to the bone to make sure my mother in Cuba has what she needs, I’ll do it. I know she had to endure much more for me”; “I didn’t make a mistake in following you; you say exactly what I want to express but can’t find the words for”; “I’m not worried about the dictatorship, only about my own. Anyone living comfortably abroad who doesn’t help their loved ones has no heart”; “It’s my money, and I spend it on my family because in the end, I don’t owe anything to anyone.”
However, there were those who criticized this stance, arguing that it helps maintain the status quo: “It’s not about not sending money for food and medicine, but about not supporting a political system that relies on remittances”; “We need to find a way to help families over there instead of sustaining them”; “The government will never collapse as long as we keep sending money. That’s the truth that no one wants to hear.”
Despite differing opinions, many agreed on the difficulty of being away from loved ones: “It’s very easy to talk when you don’t have anyone there. I have my mother, my daughter, my siblings, and whenever I can, I will help them”; “I’m with you one hundred percent. No one understands what it’s like to know that your family has nothing to eat”; “It’s the price I have to pay. As long as my family is there, I will continue to help, even if it’s not what others want.”
With over ten thousand likes and thousands of views, Carelis Conde's video continues to fuel the debate on a topic that is as complex as it is emotional, where feelings, responsibilities, and political stances intersect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Help to Family in Cuba
Why do Cubans abroad send assistance to their relatives in Cuba?
For many Cubans in the diaspora, sending aid to their relatives in Cuba is both a responsibility and an act of love. Despite criticisms and political challenges, they prioritize the well-being of their loved ones over any ideological debates, ensuring that their families do not lack basic necessities.
What are the main criticisms faced by Cubans who send aid to their families on the island?
The most common criticisms come from both Cubans abroad and those on the island. Some argue that aid shipments indirectly support the Cuban regime, while others criticize the alleged excessive demands from family members receiving assistance. However, many people stand by their decision to help, prioritizing family wellbeing.
What challenges do Cubans face when sending aid to their families in Cuba?
Sending aid to Cuba involves logistical and emotional challenges. Emigrants must plan and ration their products due to weight and cost restrictions. Additionally, there is constant emotional pressure to send more than what is feasible and to cope with criticism or lack of appreciation from some family members.
How does the assistance sent from abroad affect families in Cuba?
Aid sent from abroad has a significant impact on the quality of life for families in Cuba. Many Cubans rely on these remittances and packages to meet their basic needs, highlighting the economic precariousness on the island and the importance of ongoing family support.
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