On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the American government is ready to deliver "immediate" humanitarian assistance to Cubans impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Importantly, this aid will be provided without involving regime intermediaries.
Rubio's initial announcement came via his account on the social media platform X. While he didn't delve into specifics, he emphasized that Cuba is now among the countries eligible to receive support from Washington.
"We are prepared to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the Cuban people affected by the hurricane," Rubio stated succinctly.
Subsequently, Rubio added another post clarifying that "the United States is ready to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, both directly and through local partners who can more effectively distribute it to those in need."
This statement underscores the exclusion of regime intermediaries.
Within the same post, it was highlighted that "following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, the Trump administration stands in solidarity with the brave Cuban people, who continue to struggle to meet their basic needs."
A statement on the State Department's website noted that "U.S. law allows for exemptions and authorizations for private donations of food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid to Cuba, as well as disaster response efforts."
"We encourage those who wish to directly support the Cuban people to contact us with any questions. Inquiries can be sent to CubaHumanitarian@state.gov," the statement concluded.
The initial message, later shared by the U.S. Embassy in Havana, came just a day after Rubio publicly announced active coordination with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas in response to the crisis.
At that time, however, Cuba was not included among the countries that the U.S. was engaging with for joint action in the face of the natural disaster.
Historical Context of Aid and Political Tensions
Recent history reveals that offers of humanitarian aid between the United States and Cuba during natural disasters have been rare and politically sensitive.
In 2022, following the devastating Hurricane Ian, Havana requested emergency assistance from Joe Biden's administration. This request led to a limited response, but it marked an unusual opening amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Earlier that year, after the fire at the Matanzas Super Tanker Base, Cuba sought technical assistance from Washington.
However, on other occasions, when the U.S. has extended humanitarian aid, the Cuban government has rejected it, citing concerns over sovereignty.
Rubio's recent announcement fits within this tradition of occasional aid, often constrained by political limits.
So far, the Cuban government has not officially reacted to Rubio's message. State media and official channels have not reported any statements regarding the U.S. offer.
What remains evident is the urgent need for resources in eastern Cuba. Torrential rains, flooding, and damage to critical infrastructure in provinces such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Granma have left communities isolated, with entire areas lacking access to electricity or potable water.
FAQs on U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Why is the U.S. providing aid directly to the Cuban people?
The U.S. aims to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need without interference from the Cuban regime, which has historically been a point of contention.
What kind of aid is being offered by the U.S.?
The aid includes essential items such as food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies, as well as disaster response assistance.
Has Cuba responded to the U.S. offer of aid?
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued an official response to the U.S. offer of humanitarian assistance.