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The former Cuban spy Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), has issued a statement in response to the recent accusations made by Carlos Lazo, leader of the "Bridges of Love" project.
In his statement, González Llort assured that all donations sent by this organization have arrived "in full, in the shortest time possible" to the institutions designated by them, without any changes in the destinations of the materials sent.
Moreover, it was emphasized that "Bridges of Love" has received photographic evidence of the delivery of its donations to the respective institutions, noting that the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) of Cuba has regulations regarding access to its facilities, prioritizing patient care.
González Llort emphasized that these regulations are not intended to obstruct donations, but rather to organize the processes. He noted that the ICAP, in collaboration with other institutions such as MINSAP, is responsible for enforcing the established rules for receiving donations, which are designed to efficiently organize the process.
Carlos Lazo, known for his activism in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo against Cuba and for his humanitarian efforts toward the island, recently denounced that the Cuban government imposes restrictions that hinder the direct delivery of medical supplies and food to pediatric hospitals.
According to Lazo, these measures force donations to remain at the airport and prohibit access to medical centers, which hinders their humanitarian efforts and reflects an "internal blockade" by the Cuban government.
This situation had a significant impact on Cuban public opinion, prompting allied artists and state organizations to respond to the pro-regime activist.
Israel Rojas, leader of the band Buena Fe and a well-known defender of the Cuban regime, described the accusations against those who claimed that Lazo was lying about these difficulties as "deeply unjust."
Moreover, he noted that he has witnessed how the treatment of activists like Lazo has shifted "from admiration to avoidance" and, more recently, to "obstruction" of their work. He also emphasized that projects like "Bridges of Love" represent a constructive form of relationship between the nation and its emigration.
Instead, Lazo decided to put an end to the controversy with the Cuban government. In a post on his social media, he emphasized the need for unity in light of the challenges ahead, stating that "hard times are coming" and that neighbors must "embrace each other" to face adversities together.
This statement was made on the same day when MINSAP issued an official statement denying having obstructed the delivery of donations directly to its institutions.
The MINSAP clarified that those wishing to make direct deliveries must communicate this in advance to ensure an orderly delivery that does not interfere with the care and administrative processes of the health units.
The journalist from Martí Noticias, Mario J. Pentón, spoke out about the controversy, describing it as "a poorly constructed novel" and an attempt to "whitewash a dictatorship." In his analysis, Pentón stated:
"What a farce that poorly staged novel between the regime and its protégé in the U.S. Friendly fire is not going to legitimize someone who is only trying to whitewash a dictatorship. All of this is nothing more than a publicity stunt."
His statement reinforces the view of critical sectors of the Cuban regime, who see this conflict as a distraction strategy rather than a genuine confrontation between Lazo and the authorities on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the controversy between Carlos Lazo and the Cuban regime
Why did Carlos Lazo accuse the Cuban regime of blocking donations?
Carlos Lazo accused the Cuban regime of blocking donations due to restrictions that, he claims, prevent the direct delivery of medical supplies and food to pediatric hospitals in Cuba. He stated that these measures cause donations to remain at the airport and hinder his humanitarian work.
How did the Cuban government respond to Carlos Lazo's accusations?
The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) of Cuba firmly denied having obstructed the delivery of donations and stated that those wishing to make direct deliveries must notify in advance to ensure an orderly delivery that does not interfere with assistance processes. Despite the denials, they acknowledged that at times Lazo was denied entrance to health institutions.
What role does Fernando González Llort play in this controversy?
Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), defended the Cuban government asserting that all donations sent by "Puentes de Amor" have arrived intact at the designated institutions. He also emphasized that the MINSAP regulations are not intended to obstruct but to organize the processes.
What has been the public's reaction to the controversy between Carlos Lazo and the Cuban regime?
The controversy has generated various reactions in Cuban public opinion. Journalist Mario J. Pentón described it as "a poorly constructed novel" and an attempt to "sanitize a dictatorship." Additionally, artists and state organizations have responded to the activist, with figures like Israel Rojas expressing their support for Lazo, labeling the accusations against him as unfair.
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