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The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García spoke out on Wednesday in defense of the presenter Alexander Otaola, following the controversial statements made by the influencer regarding the food donations sent from Florida to the victims of the hurricane Melissa.
In a message posted on his Facebook account, the coordinator of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU) explained that he had not seen the full statement from Otaola, but wanted to clarify his position on humanitarian aid. “I believe it is fair, necessary, and right to assist the victims of such a destructive natural phenomenon, but the most fair, necessary, and right thing is to start with those who, in addition to suffering the damages caused by Hurricane Melissa, endure the relentless persecution of the Castro-communist tyranny,” he wrote.
Ferrer stated that he is aware of the help that Otaola has provided on multiple occasions to political prisoners and opponents persecuted by the Cuban regime. “No matter what he says, I know about the many times Otaola has helped political prisoners, their families, and opponents of the criminal regime, all victims of the worst hurricane: communism. I am more interested in actions than words,” he asserted.
The opposition leader added that "Otaola shows solidarity with those who suffer the most" and warned that "we know of many who discriminate against the most needy and who deserve solidarity and help the most, out of fear and/or interested complicity with the criminal regime." He also denounced the hypocrisy of those who "applaud the criminal Díaz-Canel and attack the opposition members who fight for freedom."
The post by Ferrer generated dozens of supportive comments from activists and users both inside and outside of Cuba. The opposition figure Eliecer Góngora commented that he was "totally in agreement" with Ferrer and recalled his personal experience in prison: "When I was in prison, the tyranny tried to discourage me by telling me that no one remembered me, but I knew that wasn’t true because my organization and the friends in exile never forgot about me and my family. Our greatest duty is to never forget our political prisoners; they rely on us, and we will not abandon them. Long live a free Cuba!”
Other internet users praised the tone of the message and supported Otaola's defense. “It couldn't have been said better. Bravo! Long live a Cuba free of communism,” wrote one user. “Thousands of blessings, brother. You are absolutely right. Freedom for all political prisoners. Homeland and life. Freedom,” noted another. “Great Ferrer, blessings and respect for life,” added a third.
There were also comments denouncing the diversion of humanitarian aid by the regime. "The regime takes control of the aid that arrives in Cuba and uses it to line their pockets. According to sources close to the military, they are currently distributing bags with items that possibly come from donations sent from abroad," noted an internet user.
Some users warned about divisions in the exile community and called for a focus on political prisoners: “The bickering has started, and it helps no one.” Another added, “The Cuban people have always turned their backs on political prisoners. When they understand that freedom comes first and that supporting prisoners is their duty, then things will change.” Overall, the comments reflected strong support for Ferrer's message and emphasized that solidarity must take precedence over political differences.
Otaola shares his views on donations for Hurricane Melissa
Ferrer’s words come amid a growing debate on how to channel humanitarian aid to Cuba and following recent statements by Alexander Otaola, who sparked a wave of criticism for his comments regarding food donations sent from Florida for the hurricane Melissa victims.
During one of his broadcasts, Otaola remarked that he understood that sending clothes to those who had lost everything was important, but he questioned why food distribution was prioritized. “You’re telling me, ‘Damn, you’re giving clothes to people who have nothing, who have lost everything, they’re going to need it… but a little bottle of oil… it’s a stomach issue, it’s all about ‘tambucherismo’,” he said.
The presenter added that the situation resembled "an agricultural fair" and downplayed the impact of the fundraising efforts by stating that "it's nothing organized or on a large scale, just three idiots, a few small items, two trucks, and that's it. They didn't mobilize anyone; it was just among themselves."
Later, Otaola exclaimed: “Oh, what a big thing, what a people, what a hungry people for your mother! Oh, everything, everything, everything has to do with the stomach.” He then wrote on social media that “misery does not eliminate misery” and that “charity is not help,” insisting that sending food does not address the underlying problems of the country.
His statements were interpreted by many users as a lack of empathy towards the Cubans affected by the natural disaster, leading to a strong reaction on social media and prompting Ferrer to intervene to emphasize the importance of solidarity and to remind everyone of the assistance that Otaola has provided on numerous occasions to political prisoners and their families.
However, this was not the first time the presenter spoke out on this issue. In early November, Otaola had already questioned the U.S. government's announcement to channel part of the humanitarian aid through the Catholic Church, considering that this route could benefit the communist regime. “Sending aid to the Cuban people through the Catholic Church is the same as giving it to the Religious Affairs Department of the PCC. The money in hand. We cannot continue repeating the same mistakes,” he wrote then on Facebook.
The presenter argued that the shipments should be channeled through opponents within the island, such as UNPACU or Cuba Decide, to ensure they reach those affected directly. Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba on October 29, left thousands displaced and caused significant material damage in the provinces of Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
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