Cuban-American lawmakers support sending aid to Cuba but demand that it does not go through the hands of the regime

Cuban-American congressmen Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar supported the sending of humanitarian aid from the United States to Cuba following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, but they demanded guarantees that the Havana regime would not have access to or control over the donations.

According to reported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the first shipment of aid arrived this week in Holguín and will be distributed directly by Cáritas Cuba with the support of humanitarian organizations from the Catholic Church, in order to avoid the regime's mediation.

"Everyone has known for years that the murderous dictatorship in Cuba steals donations and then sells them back to the people at exorbitant prices. We trust Secretary Rubio's management to prevent the regime from stealing the aid intended for the Cuban people," expressed Congressman Carlos Giménez upon hearing the news of the shipment.

Maria Elvira Salazar, for her part, celebrated Washington's decision to channel aid directly through the Church.

“United States has always been generous to those who fight for freedom and democracy, including the oppressed people of Cuba. By going over the regime, we support their struggle for freedom, not their oppressor,” stated the Republican lawmaker.

Both congressmen emphasized that the humanitarian aid sent by the Trump Administration must reach the families affected by Hurricane Melissa without interference from the Cuban state apparatus, which they accuse of profiting from the people's needs and historically diverting international cooperation.

The assistance plan, announced by Secretary Rubio, is part of a three-million-dollar package aimed at supporting those affected in eastern Cuba.

The deliveries are coordinated by Cáritas Cuba in the most affected dioceses, with an emphasis on free distribution, transparency, and the protection of beneficiaries.

Both the U.S. State Department and the religious organization indicated that the aid will go directly to those affected, without passing through the hands of the regime.

Hurricane Melissa struck the eastern part of the island in October of last year as a Category 3 storm, causing severe material damage and leaving thousands of families homeless amid a context of shortages and widespread blackouts.