Cuban activist Carolina Barrero fiercely responded to recent disclosures by El Nuevo Herald concerning the cash reserves controlled by the military conglomerate GAESA, which is overseen by Cuba's armed forces. Investigative journalist Nora Gámez Torres reported that GAESA holds a staggering $18 billion in cash, a sum that surpasses the international reserves of nations like Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Panama.
Referring to these revelations, Barrero expressed on her Facebook profile, "Since yesterday's news, I haven't stopped calculating and pondering the extent of a deceit that was known, yet not fully grasped. The devil, as they say, is in the details."
Condemnation of the Cuban Regime's Duplicity
Highlighting the regime's hypocrisy, Barrero stated, "The Castro tyranny, which owns GAESA, masquerades as a victim of the embargo while being the predator. It demands endurance from Cubans while draining every last drop of our blood."
The article referenced by Barrero also suggests that the disclosed amount might only represent a portion of GAESA's wealth. "And $18 billion could be just half. The article notes that earnings from CIMEX, a company based in Panama, are not counted and could represent nearly 50%. Plus, there's more that's not even in this accounting. The 'B box' of the 'B box,' which surely exists," she added.
The Stark Contrast: Wealth vs. National Crisis
Illustrating the contrast between this wealth and the nation's crisis, Barrero pointed out that "$43 million is needed annually to supply essential medications to the national health system, and $250 million per year is required to keep the electrical infrastructure running. This amount could ensure both needs are met for over 50 years. Yet, the money doesn't go there."
Barrero also criticized regime officials and spokespersons who have claimed that U.S. sanctions prevent them from purchasing essential items such as milk for children, medicines, and maintaining the deteriorating energy infrastructure.
"I'm waiting for the strong comments from Johana Tablada, Carlos Alzugaray, Israel Rojas, Julio Cesar Guanche, and the long list of defenders of the embargo victimhood narrative, who whitewash a caste of thieves and weave the confusion that enables the regime's persistence," Barrero asserted.
The activist warned the Cuban government leaders that "the theater is gradually collapsing, the masks will continue to fall, leaving nothing but ignominy and shame to distribute."
Understanding GAESA's Financial Influence and Its Impact
What is GAESA and why is it significant in Cuba?
GAESA, or Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., is a military-run conglomerate in Cuba that controls a large portion of the country's economy. It is significant because it operates independently of the civilian government and is considered a key player in Cuba's economic structure, holding substantial cash reserves.
Why does Carolina Barrero criticize GAESA's financial management?
Carolina Barrero criticizes GAESA for hoarding massive cash reserves while essential sectors like healthcare and electricity suffer from underfunding. She accuses the Cuban regime of hypocrisy and mismanagement, highlighting the stark contrast between GAESA's wealth and the country's economic struggles.
How does GAESA's wealth compare to other countries?
GAESA's reported $18 billion in cash reserves surpasses the international reserves of countries such as Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Panama, highlighting the immense financial power the conglomerate holds within Cuba.