Related videos:
The Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac defended the importance of donations to Cuba following the passing of Hurricane Melissa this Tuesday, and called for compassion for the victims, especially in the eastern area, which he described as “dantesque.”
In his post on Facebook, Toirac addressed the debate that has arisen among those who oppose sending aid to the country, arguing that what Cuba needs is not donations, but freedom.
“Freedom is needed. A lot and of very diverse nature and origin. But let's think about a couple of details,” wrote the comedian, recalling that the Catholic Church offered itself as a guarantee for the distribution of humanitarian aid, both that sent by the Government of the United States and through any other international channels.
“The Church decided to offer itself as a guarantor not only for the donations from the U.S. Government, but it is an open avenue for anyone who wants to donate. I think it’s fantastic and personally, I appreciate this gesture of infinite humanity trying to overcome an unnecessary and absurd obstacle,” affirmed Toirac.
The actor also recalled that many families in Cuba continue to live in shelters since past cyclones, and that the conditions of the new victims are "hardly imaginable" for those who are not experiencing that situation.
"It is important to have a little bit of sensitivity, empathy, and humanity. Jamaica is receiving a good amount of international support, and that's what it's all about," he wrote.
“It’s not about the government. It’s about people. Very humble people who were already struggling and have now faced an Armageddon,” the comedian added, also expressing his personal willingness to support the victims.
"By the way, I don't have a dime or any organization backing me, but if any company or individual wants to and has the means, I offer myself to go to the little towns and cheer people up a bit if that's possible," he concluded.
Toirac's words have a context: the Cuban regime reported this Monday that the number of homes affected by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern part of the country exceeds 45,000 cases.
"Preliminarily, there are 45,282 reported damages to homes, mostly to roofs. The delivery of roofing tiles has already begun," stated the official account of the Presidency of Cuba on the social media platform X.
The government also acknowledged damage to 1,552 schools, of which "around 200 have already been restored." More than 14,000 people remain evacuated in state facilities, while another 120,000 Cubans continue to stay in shelters or with family members.
Filed under: