The United States announced on Thursday a new package of 6 million dollars in humanitarian aid for Cuba, while at the same time intensifying its offensive to block fuel supplies to the Island, a strategy that is already worsening the energy crisis and deepening the shortages affecting millions of Cubans.
The announcement was confirmed by the State Department, where the Trump Administration assured that the funds will be allocated as “direct assistance for the Cuban people” and delivered without the regime's intermediation.
"Based on the success of the recently announced partnership with the Catholic Church and Caritas, the Trump Administration announces an additional 6 million dollars in direct assistance for the Cuban people," stated the statement from the Department of State.
With this new commitment, Washington raises the total assistance provided since Hurricane Melissa devastated eastern Cuba in October to 9 million dollars, according to Jeremy Lewin, a senior aid official at the State Department, in statements reported by Reuters.
The aid includes basic food items such as rice, beans, pasta, and cans of tuna, as well as solar lamps to cope with power outages, and will be primarily directed to the eastern provinces affected by the cyclone.
Delivery from Miami and distribution by parishes
According to the State Department, supplies will be sent from Miami and distributed directly by local parish representatives through Caritas and the Catholic Church.
"This assistance will be delivered… with pre-packaged products transported from Miami and delivered by representatives from the local parishes," specified the official note.
Washington insisted that this method aims to prevent the Cuban regime from interfering with or diverting resources, an argument repeated in recent weeks from the U.S. embassy in Havana and in public statements by Lewin.
"This method has proven to be very effective in ensuring that the failed Cuban regime does not interfere with or divert assistance intended for those in need," the statement added.
The State Department also issued a direct warning to the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel: if it attempts to intervene in the distribution, it will face consequences.
"Let there be no doubt: the regime should not make any effort to interfere... the regime will be held accountable before the United States and its own people for any interference," Washington stated.
Humanitarian aid amid a paralyzing crisis
The announcement comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing a critical situation, marked by widespread blackouts, food shortages, a collapse of transportation, and a general decline in basic services.
However, humanitarian aid is being provided while Washington is also tightening measures to cut the flow of fuel to the Island, a pressure that has caused, according to Reuters, a "paralyzing shortage."
Jeremy Lewin rejected the notion that the United States is responsible for the humanitarian crisis and stated that the Cuban regime has been unable to provide even the basic necessities for its population.
"They have billions of dollars, but they don't use them to buy food for the ordinary Cuban citizen," said Lewin, as quoted by Associated Press.
The official directly held the Cuban leadership accountable and accused the government of dedicating resources to its repressive apparatus and its influence abroad.
“For years, the island has hoarded all the resources for the few senile elders who run the country… for the security apparatus,” Lewin said, who also stated that his mother was born in Havana.
Washington says it could increase aid if Havana allows it
In its official statement, the State Department left open the possibility of further expanding support, but conditioned any new steps on the regime "allowing it."
“Beyond this segment of assistance, the United States is willing to further increase direct support to the Cuban people. The corrupt regime simply must allow it,” the statement indicated.
Lewin reiterated this stance before journalists and stated that Washington is prepared to make new announcements if the Cuban government stops hindering aid and focuses on addressing the needs of its population.
"They should focus on taking care of their people, not on making boastful statements," he said.
Meanwhile, on the Island, the ordinary Cuban continues to be caught between hunger, blackouts, and daily uncertainty, with aid arriving in boxes from Miami… and a country increasingly dimmed by a lack of fuel.
Filed under: