Amid ongoing discussions about international assistance following Hurricane Melissa's devastation, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly expressed gratitude towards Nicolás Maduro while emphasizing that Cuba welcomes aid only if it is genuine and respects the nation's sovereignty and legal system.
Seen as a subtle jab at the United States' offer of assistance and the diplomatic tensions it sparked, this message was shared by the regime's representative on the social media platform X.
"Thank you, brother Nicolás Maduro, for supporting our people during these challenging times and for consistently denouncing the cruel Blockade that harms us severely, especially now. Cuba appreciates any aid as long as it is sincere and respects our sovereignty and laws," he stated.
This statement was made on Friday as criticism over the government's response to the disaster in the eastern regions of the country intensified, following internal disputes within the state's own apparatus.
Previously, Cuba's ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, labeled any aid with conditions as "charity" and argued that the "international community" has already indicated what must be done, indirectly referring to Washington.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed that Havana was "in contact" with the State Department to learn about the details of the aid offer.
The use of the term "charity" sparked outrage among Cubans both on and off the island, with many criticizing the government for prioritizing political rhetoric over the needs of those affected by the disaster.
In line with this sentiment, many citizens demanded the acceptance of donations of food, medicine, and water without obstacles, and criticized the emergency management in provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Granma, where reports indicate ongoing isolation, power outages, and shortages of basic supplies.
On Thursday, Washington expressed its willingness to provide immediate humanitarian assistance "without regime intermediaries," and the State Department reminded the public of legal exemptions for private donations of essential goods.
In this context, Díaz-Canel's message — an expression of gratitude toward Maduro and an emphasis on "sovereignty" as a condition for accepting aid — served as a political and diplomatic stance amid the controversy: the acceptance of assistance remains a possibility as long as, according to official discourse, it does not involve conditions that contradict Cuban laws.
Meanwhile, public reactions push for a pragmatic and transparent response focused on immediately alleviating the plight of thousands of families affected by the flooding and destruction left by Melissa.
Key Questions About Cuba's Response to Hurricane Melissa
How has Cuba responded to offers of international aid following Hurricane Melissa?
Cuba has expressed gratitude towards allies like Nicolás Maduro but has insisted that any aid must respect its sovereignty and laws. The government remains cautious about accepting aid from the United States without conditions.
What was the reaction of the Cuban public to the government's handling of the crisis?
The public has largely criticized the government's response, demanding a more pragmatic approach focused on immediate relief efforts and the acceptance of aid, especially in severely affected regions.
What did the United States offer in terms of aid to Cuba?
The United States offered immediate humanitarian assistance without involvement from the Cuban regime and highlighted legal exemptions for private donations of essential goods.