The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX) announced on Monday the establishment of new bank accounts to receive donations aimed at recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. This move comes despite strong public criticism over the lack of transparency in managing funds raised since last week.
In an official Facebook post, MINCEX stated that donations can be routed through various financial institutions, including the International Bank of Commerce S.A. (BICSA). This announcement has sparked further concerns regarding the traceability and oversight of the collected funds.
The announcement fails to clarify why these new accounts are necessary when the state banking system, through the Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC), had previously set up similar channels for "Hurricane Melissa victims" even before the storm struck eastern Cuba. Furthermore, it lacks official data on the amounts collected, the beneficiaries, or the audit mechanisms in place.
On social media, numerous Cubans have voiced their skepticism about whether the donations will genuinely reach the affected families. They have also criticized the absence of verifiable public information about the use of the funds.
Since the hurricane's impact, criticism has focused on the government's opaque handling of aid, the exclusive control of official channels, and the exclusion of independent or community organizations that could ensure more direct and transparent distribution.
Although authorities claim these accounts offer a way to facilitate resource transfers from abroad, many citizens perceive the gesture as a propagandistic move lacking accountability. The public demands evidence that the aid is genuinely reaching those in dire need.
The MINCEX announcement does not specify how much funding has been received to date, nor does it detail which institutions will oversee its management. This omission heightens skepticism about a process that, according to several social media comments, "fails to inspire confidence while the public sees no tangible results."
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis caused by Melissa continues to impact thousands of families in eastern Cuba. The gap between the official narrative and everyday realities is widening, as is the public's distrust in institutional donation channels.
Hurricane Melissa Donations: Key Concerns and Questions
Why are new bank accounts being created for Hurricane Melissa donations?
The Cuban government has opened new bank accounts to facilitate donations for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, but the necessity of these accounts is questioned since similar channels were already available through the state banking system.
What are the public concerns about the management of these donations?
The public is concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in how the funds are managed. There is skepticism about whether the donations will actually reach the affected families, given the absence of verifiable information and oversight details.
How is the humanitarian crisis affecting families in eastern Cuba?
The humanitarian crisis caused by Hurricane Melissa continues to affect thousands of families in eastern Cuba, exacerbating the gap between the government's official statements and the harsh realities faced by the population.