The Cuban-American congressman Carlos Giménez issued a strong warning to those considering investing in Cuba under the current political system, amid recent signs from the regime regarding a potential economic opening to foreign capital and the diaspora.
“If you’re crazy, go ahead, invest in Cuba,” stated the Republican legislator during a press conference in Miami, remarks that were shared on social media by journalist Christina Boomer Vazquez.
During his statements, Giménez directly blamed the regime for the country's crisis. "They have stolen what little remains and fill their pockets," he said. He also pointed out that the authorities "are always blaming the U.S. embargo, but it is their own incompetence, their own corruption."
The congressman stated that the Cuban economy is “completely destroyed” and rejected the official narrative that attributes the crisis to external factors.
Regarding the possible opening to investments, he was unequivocal: “I believe anyone who goes there and invests in Cuba is crazy.” He also warned about past defaults and expropriations: “They will not pay their debts… they will allow you to invest, and over time, they will take everything.”
Giménez reiterated that an economic change is not viable without prior political transformations. "You need a political change before you can have an economic change," he stated.
In that regard, he believed that the Cuban people should foster an internal change. “The people of Cuba should start to rise up and get these guys out,” he said.
The legislator also described the country's deterioration in historical terms. "Cuba is completely destroyed… at one time it was the jewel of the Caribbean and now the standard of living is lower than that of Haiti," he stated.
The statements come after Cuban authorities proposed the possibility of allowing emigrants to invest and operate businesses on the island, in an effort to attract capital amid the economic crisis.
As part of that same process, the government also announced that Cubans residing abroad will be able to open foreign currency accounts in banks on the island, aimed at facilitating operations related to investments and economic activities.
These measures come in the context of a deep economic crisis characterized by power outages, shortages, and a lack of liquidity, which has increased the government's need to attract foreign currency.
Reactions have come swiftly. In South Florida, activists have warned about the risks of prioritizing business without political change. “Everyone is thinking about business instead of human rights,” stated activist Gus García in comments reported by local media.
In the same vein, opposition leader Ramón Saúl Sánchez warned that these initiatives "will increase the suffering of the people" if they are not accompanied by political transformations.
Giménez himself had previously warned that there will be no U.S. investment in Cuba without "significant political changes", emphasizing that the central issue of the country is the current system and not the lack of external capital.
Filed under: