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The organization Bridges of Love, led by Cuban-American activist Carlos Lazo, has sent a new donation of humanitarian aid to Cuba, in collaboration with the American group Codepink.
According to Lazo's report on his Facebook page, the shipment includes 1,760 pounds of powdered milk, intended for pediatric hospitals, nursing homes, and the school for children with special needs Solidaridad con Panamá.
"We thank everyone who contributed to making this shipment possible, as well as the previous shipments and those yet to come," the activist expressed in his post.
Additionally, he extended his recognition to Medea Benjamin, founder of Codepink, as well as to the members of the Cuban emigrant community who have supported this initiative.
This new shipment occurs following a controversy between Lazo and official sectors of the island, when in February the Cuban-American denounced that the regime was blocking the direct delivery of medical supplies and food to pediatric hospitals, which hindered the humanitarian efforts of his organization.
According to their statements, there were regulations that prevented Puentes de Amor from visiting medical centers to deliver donations directly.
In response, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba issued an official statement denying these accusations and clarifying that "it has never refused to accept donations directly in its institutions."
The entity stated that those who wish 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 healthcare units.
On his part, the former spy Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), supported the position of MINSAP, stating that "planning for the required time of visitors for other matters, including the delivery of donations, is a mandatory requirement."
Amidst the controversy, the singer and ally of the regime Israel Rojas, from the dúo Buena Fe, defended Lazo, calling it "profoundly unjust" for MINSAP to suggest that his friend Lazo was lying about the obstacles regarding his humanitarian work.
Despite this controversy, Lazo decided to put the controversy to rest and called for unity, stating that "hard times are coming" and that "neighbors will have to embrace each other because what is coming from the north is a massive storm."
The donation comes at a time when the shortage of basic goods continues to impact the Cuban population, particularly the most vulnerable sectors.
Frequently asked questions about Puentes de Amor's donation to Cuba and the controversy with the regime
What donation has Puentes de Amor made to Cuba recently?
Bridges of Love, led by Carlos Lazo, has sent 1,760 pounds of powdered milk to Cuba, intended for pediatric hospitals, nursing homes, and a school for children with special needs, in collaboration with Codepink.
Why was there a controversy between Carlos Lazo and the Cuban regime?
The controversy arose when Carlos Lazo denounced that the Cuban regime was blocking the direct delivery of medical supplies and food to pediatric hospitals, which hindered the humanitarian efforts of Puentes de Amor. The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba denied these accusations.
What was the official response of the Cuban government to the accusations of a blockade?
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health denied blocking the delivery of donations and stated that those who wish to make direct deliveries must inform them in advance to ensure an orderly delivery without interfering with assistance processes.
How has this situation affected Carlos Lazo's perception in Cuba and abroad?
The situation has complicated Carlos Lazo's position, who has been criticized by some sectors of the Cuban exile community in Miami for his support of lifting the embargo, while his recent denunciation has generated tensions with the Cuban regime, reflecting a shift in his rhetoric.
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