Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his condolences on Friday for the victims of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, extending "solidarity and support" to the governments of Haiti and Jamaica. The storm resulted in 30 deaths in Haiti and 19 in Jamaica.
His message, shared on X, comes amidst growing criticism of Cuba's official narrative regarding the handling of the emergency in the island's eastern regions.
Rodríguez's statement of sympathy for the losses in Haiti and Jamaica starkly contrasts with user comments criticizing him for focusing on foreign rhetoric while neglecting domestic needs. Critics demand transparency and the acceptance of external aid for Cuba's eastern regions.
There is a noticeable gap between the government's triumphant discourse, which boasts of organization and discipline, and the harsh reality faced by communities still submerged or cut off.
"All you do is express your rhetoric. Accept aid from the USA. It's the people who need it, stop being an obstacle to their needs," condemned a Cuban on X.
A day earlier, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed on X that the survival of the eastern population post-Melissa was not miraculous but due to "preparation, organization, discipline, and solidarity" among the people.
During a National Defense Council meeting, Díaz-Canel reiterated that the main priority remains "preserving life" in affected areas. However, he provided no details on material damage or the full extent of the catastrophe, which has left thousands of families dealing with floods, power outages, and restricted access.
The torrential rains and strong winds brought by Melissa caused severe damage in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, resulting in flooding, destruction of electrical and telecommunications networks, roads, and homes.
While official statements emphasize ongoing protective measures, public reactions on social media challenge the lack of precise information and the slow response in the hardest-hit areas.
Simultaneously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement that Washington is ready to offer immediate humanitarian aid to affected Cubans—provided donations bypass official institutions—rekindled diplomatic tensions.
Havana typically views such offers as interference, reigniting the debate between calls for accepting unconditional external support and the government’s insistence on respecting its sovereignty.
On Friday, the Cuban government asserted that the United States has yet to make any concrete aid offers for the victims, despite public statements to the contrary.
Johana Tablada, Deputy Director of the U.S. Directorate at Minrex, noted that the Cuban embassy in Washington reached out to the State Department "regarding their announcements" but has not received answers to its inquiries.
The discrepancy between public statements and official confirmations adds a layer of opacity to an already complicated situation for those affected.
Finally, Díaz-Canel's mention of the "two victories" following Melissa—the response to the hurricane and the UN vote against the U.S. embargo—are touted by officials as evidence of the "strength of the Revolution" and the Cuban people's dignity.
However, on social media and in critical forums, the triumphant tone is questioned amid the humanitarian crisis and dwindling international support for Havana in multilateral bodies, reinforcing the perception that political propaganda persists while thousands await concrete solutions.
Key Questions on Cuba's Crisis Management
How has the Cuban government responded to Hurricane Melissa?
The Cuban government has emphasized preparation, organization, and solidarity in response to the hurricane, focusing on preserving life in affected areas. However, details on material damage and comprehensive recovery efforts have been sparse.
What criticisms has the Cuban government faced regarding its handling of the disaster?
The Cuban government has been criticized for focusing more on foreign rhetoric and not addressing domestic needs adequately. There have been calls for transparency and the acceptance of international aid in the wake of the disaster.
What is the U.S. position on aiding Cuba after the hurricane?
The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed readiness to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Cuba, stipulating that donations should not go through official Cuban institutions, to avoid perceived interference.