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The government efficiency team led by Elon Musk, known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), has sparked controversy by including the lease contract for the headquarters of Radio y TV Martí in Miami among the supposedly "rescinded" agreements.
However, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, has stated that no definitive decision has been made on this matter, creating uncertainty about the future of the broadcaster.
According to the portal of the Department of Government Efficiency, cancelling the lease contract for the Jorge Mas Canosa building, home of Radio y TV Martí, would result in savings of 5.32 million dollars.
Nevertheless, the information published on the site has been subject to scrutiny due to the lack of accuracy in several of its claims regarding budget cuts.
The Republican congressman Carlos Giménez, representative from Miami, expressed his skepticism regarding this possibility and stated that he is not willing to accept the elimination of Radio y TV Martí.
"I have no information on this matter and I do not support the elimination of Radio Martí. I support its renewal, but not its disappearance. I believe it is vital for the people of Cuba to receive unedited and free information," he stated in comments reported by Telemundo 51.
The stance of the Global Media Agency
When NBC6 Investigates inquired with the Global Media Agency regarding the inclusion of the headquarters on the list of "canceled divestments," the response was clear: "That list is under review. As of today, no decision has been made regarding the divestment."
The agency avoided confirming whether the termination of the lease contract would mean the permanent closure of Radio y TV Martí, which adds more uncertainty to the matter.
However, employees of the station who preferred to remain anonymous noted that the relocation plans had begun under previous administrations due to staff reductions and the need for a facility more suitable for their current operations.
According to these sources, there is already a new location planned for the relocation, which would suggest that the alleged termination of the lease contract does not mean the closure of Radio y TV Martí.
Other government offices affected in Florida
The DOGE team also included in its list of cuts the cancellation of other lease agreements in South Florida, among them:
The office of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo, claiming an estimated savings of $1.45 million.
-An office of the Department of Labor in Plantation, responsible for assisting private sector employees with pensions and benefits, with an alleged savings of 2.86 million dollars.
-An office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Doral, with an estimated savings of $134,000.
-An office of criminal investigations by the Food and Drug Administration in Plantation, which would represent a savings of $691,000.
Reactions and repercussions
Congressman Carlos Giménez has expressed his support for the government efficiency measures promoted by Musk, but he has made it clear that eliminating Radio and TV Martí is not an option for him.
"I am happy that we have someone like Elon Musk who sees things differently and guides us", he commented, although he insisted that the broadcasting network to Cuba needs to be modernized, not eliminated.
On the other hand, Cuban exile activist Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat, from the Cuban Democratic Directorate, also expressed his lack of knowledge about the possible cancellation of Radio y TV Martí.
"As far as I know, there is no danger; I am finding out about this with you," he said in an interview with Gloria Ordaz for Telemundo 51.
Despite what was published on the DOGE site, the Global Media Agency has denied that the lease contract has been terminated, leaving open the possibility that Radio y TV Martí will continue to operate.
Uncertainty persists as information is reviewed and potential changes to the broadcaster's location are assessed.
In any case, the debate over the viability and funding of Radio y TV Martí remains at the center of political discussion in South Florida, where the Cuban exile community has a strong interest in its continued existence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Radio and TV Martí and Elon Musk's Cuts
Will Radio and TV Martí shut down due to Elon Musk's cuts?
No definitive decision has been made regarding the closure of Radio and TV Martí. The United States Agency for Global Media has indicated that the list of cuts is under review, and although the cancellation of the lease contract is mentioned, this does not necessarily imply the closure of the station.
What is Congressman Carlos Giménez's stance on Radio and TV Martí?
Carlos Giménez opposes the elimination of Radio and TV Martí. He asserts that he supports their renewal and modernization, as he believes it is essential for the people of Cuba to receive unedited and free information.
What savings would be achieved by canceling the lease contract for Radio and TV Martí?
An estimated savings of 5.32 million dollars is expected with the cancellation of the lease contract for the Radio and TV Martí headquarters, according to the Department of Government Efficiency.
What other government offices in Florida could be affected by the DOGE cuts?
In addition to Radio and TV Martí, the DOGE team has included in its list of cuts other offices in Florida, such as the National Marine Sanctuary of the Florida Keys, the Department of Labor office in Plantation, an office of the Fish and Wildlife Service in Doral, and a criminal investigations office of the Food and Drug Administration in Plantation. These cuts aim to save several million dollars in lease contracts.
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