Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar called on the Havana regime this Sunday to "step aside" and allow humanitarian aid from the United States to reach the victims of Hurricane Melissa directly.
"As Chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I commend the Administration's efforts to deliver aid to the Cuban people following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa," she expressed on her X profile.
"Now, the dictatorship must step aside. The aid is meant for the victims, not the oppressors," she added.
Shortly before, Salazar had posted the same message in English, urging the Cuban government to "allow aid to reach the people who are truly suffering," emphasizing that the purpose of the assistance is to directly support the affected communities, not to bolster the regime.
Her remarks came shortly after the United States government announced a $3 million humanitarian aid package for Cubans affected by Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged multiple provinces in the eastern part of the island.
Direct Aid Distribution via the Catholic Church
The Department of State's Western Hemisphere Affairs Office (WHA) reported that the aid will be distributed in collaboration with the Catholic Church, ensuring that resources reach the hardest-hit communities without Cuban government intermediaries.
"The United States is coordinating with the Catholic Church to distribute three million dollars in humanitarian aid directly to those most affected in eastern Cuba by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Our prayers are with the brave Cuban people," stated the WHA on its official X account.
Washington's Commitment to the Cuban People
This humanitarian gesture reinforces Washington's commitment to directly support the Cuban populace, amid accusations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political manipulation of aid in past disasters.
The State Department's decision comes just days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the willingness to provide aid "without regime intermediaries," insisting that any U.S. assistance should reach "the people, not the Cuban government."
Hurricane Melissa struck Cuban territory on October 29, leaving tens of thousands affected and causing severe damage to homes, crops, and electrical networks in Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, where some communities remain isolated and without power.
The strategy of channeling aid through the Catholic Church aims to ensure a transparent and effective delivery process without political interference in a country where resource distribution is typically state-controlled.
FAQs on U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Why is the U.S. coordinating aid distribution through the Catholic Church in Cuba?
The U.S. is working with the Catholic Church to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the affected communities directly without interference from the Cuban government, aiming for transparency and effectiveness.
What is the total amount of humanitarian aid provided by the U.S. to Cuba for Hurricane Melissa victims?
The United States has allocated a total of $3 million in humanitarian aid to assist Cubans affected by Hurricane Melissa.
What areas in Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage in Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, affecting homes, crops, and power networks.