Entrepreneur from Isla de la Juventud calls for a massive donation for the victims of Hurricane Melissa

A local entrepreneur proposed a collective donation among private businesses to support families in eastern Cuba who will suffer the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Cartel Cuba, located in the surroundings of the Santiago bay, drenched by the rains from Melissa.Photo © Facebook / Nelson Hair Melik Marrero

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From the Isle of Youth, an entrepreneur has made a public call for solidarity in light of the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa, urging private businesses in the country to organize a massive donation to assist those affected in the eastern provinces.

The initiative was shared on Facebook through the profile Carapachibey Pinero, where the entrepreneur invited owners of small and medium enterprises, self-employed workers, and other non-state economic actors to join a collective effort to assist families affected by the cyclone.

Facebook Capture / Carapachibey Pinero

"I propose, in light of the imminent impact of Hurricane Melissa and its devastating path through the eastern provinces, a massive donation from all of us to improve the lives of many people who will be profoundly grateful. Remember that we are Cubans; we are human," the message stated.

The author of the initiative clarified that it is not about large contributions, but rather concrete gestures that can be vital for those who will lose everything.

He suggested channeling aid through the Economic Actors Office of the Government on the Island, in order to ensure that resources reach the most underserved areas.

The call has generated multiple reactions on social media, where users from various provinces highlighted the importance of civil society and private enterprises organizing to provide humanitarian support in the midst of an emergency.

Yuny García said, "I wish to express my full support for the proposal by Mr. Iván Ernesto Leal Fernández, owner of the Santo Niño restaurant, who has called on private business owners, small and medium-sized enterprises, and self-employed workers to come together in a solidarity donation for the families affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa in the eastern provinces."

On her part, Belén Pérez Molina advocated for broadening the appeal: “I believe that it's not only private businesses that should contribute, but also a call to the pioneering people, who I know are also facing difficulties, to donate anything, such as warm clothing, which our brothers and sisters deserve a little attention during these challenging times.”

"It is true that we Cubans are BIG; it's a beautiful initiative to share what little we have, as it is certain that what awaits our eastern brothers is very tough. Today it is reaffirmed once again that NOT EVERYTHING IS LOST; there are many, many CUBANS with an immense HEART. Blessings and good vibes to all who join this human and supportive initiative," emphasized Ofelia Paz Peña.

Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds exceeding 230 kilometers per hour, is moving as a major system and has already caused severe damage in Jamaica.

Cuban authorities have issued a hurricane alert for several provinces in the east, while the evacuation of thousands of people in vulnerable areas continues.

In the midst of the crisis and resource shortages, these kinds of solidarity initiatives emerge as a testament to the commitment of Cubans to their own community.

As the entrepreneur from Pinar wrote in his post: “It's not about giving a lot, but about offering something that can be vital for many families”.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.