María Victoria Gil, sister of former Cuban Minister of Economy Alejandro Gil Fernández, responded with disconcerting honesty this Thursday when journalist Tania Costa asked her if the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States might have contacted her brother before his detention in early 2024.
"I don't know, Tania. My brother... how can I explain it to you? My brother is a very, very introverted person," replied María Victoria Gil, who has been out of direct communication with him for years. The question arose in the context of the secret negotiations that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez held with representatives from the U.S. in Doha, and regarding what happened in Venezuela on January 3, when CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Rodríguez in Caracas to design a political transition.
María Victoria Gil explained that it has been "many years" since she last sat down to talk with her brother. "The last time was when my son got married in Cuba to a friend of his from pre-university, a great friend, to bring her over here to Spain. And that was six years ago," she recounted.
What stood out is Alejandro Gil's international profile, which raises the question. "My brother speaks impressive English, as if he were born in England, because he worked in England and managed maritime insurance companies. Several companies in England were under his name and direction," he stated.
In the face of the possibility of contact with the CIA, her response was unequivocal in its uncertainty: "It’s possible, Tania, I don’t... but I don’t know. I can’t say yes or no because I don’t know. I’m unaware."
The Supreme Popular Tribunal confirmed in January the life sentence of Alejandro Gil, who was sentenced in December 2025 for espionage and an additional 20 years for corruption offenses. The interview took place a day after the regime evicted the family from their house in Miramar.
Regarding prison visits, María Victoria Gil revealed that her niece, nephew, and brother-in-law visit him about once every month and a half, but under conditions that hinder any real communication. "There’s a guard in front, they can hardly communicate. Only: 'How are you?'. A little more," she described.
The sister of the former minister contrasted her own outgoing personality with her brother's introverted profile. "We are two people as if we were from different parents. While I express everything and need to put it out there, my brother is always quiet."
Since Alejandro Gil's sister warned about his condition following the sentencing, the family has maintained constant vigilance over his situation. María Victoria Gil also accused Manuel Marrero of orchestrating the case against her brother.
Regarding the location of the prison, he noted that it is outside of Havana, although he could not recall the exact name of the correctional facility.
The only message Alejandro Gil conveys to his family from prison, as reported by his sister, summarizes his state of mind: "I’m calm, I’m really calm; justice will be served. Everything will pass. The time will come when I bring the truth to light."
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