As eastern Cuba grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Fifth Baptist Church of Bayamo in Granma has emerged as a beacon of solidarity and direct action.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón shared images on social media depicting how members of the congregation's Youth Department organized a donation distribution at the Bayamo Technical School, aimed at assisting the families hardest hit by the cyclone.
The Baptist initiative has been widely praised on social platforms for its transparency, faith, and community commitment, especially in a context where many Cubans criticize the lack of official support and the manipulation of humanitarian aid.
With eastern Cuba facing extreme emergency conditions—lacking electricity, potable water, and basic resources—this church's actions highlight how Cuban civil society continues to step in where the state falls short.
The shared images reveal food, clothing, hygiene products, and essential supplies collected by church members and delivered directly to affected families.
Methodist Church Extends Aid to Hurricane Victims in Santiago de Cuba
The Methodist Church in Cuba has joined recovery efforts in the eastern part of the country by providing humanitarian aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, one of the most heavily impacted provinces.
Through their social media channels, they posted photos of their humanitarian efforts in Santiago de Cuba, showcasing pastors and volunteers distributing aid to hurricane-hit families. The images depict teams working in communities with damaged homes and flooded streets, offering prayers and support to neighbors. They also delivered a power generator.
U.S. Aid to Reach Victims Without Regime Intervention, Confirm Cuban Bishops
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba (COCC) has confirmed that humanitarian aid from the United States for Hurricane Melissa victims will be channeled through the Catholic Church, ensuring that the resources bypass Cuban government structures.
In an official statement released on Sunday, the bishops announced that the U.S. administration has pledged three million dollars in humanitarian assistance, to be sent "through Catholic Church institutions in the country" to help "directly those affected by Hurricane Melissa."
Questions and Answers on Hurricane Melissa Aid Efforts
What role did the Fifth Baptist Church of Bayamo play in aiding hurricane victims?
The Fifth Baptist Church of Bayamo organized a donation distribution directly to families affected by Hurricane Melissa, demonstrating a strong community commitment and bypassing any government intervention.
How did the Methodist Church contribute to the relief efforts in Santiago de Cuba?
The Methodist Church provided humanitarian aid, including a power generator, and offered prayers and support in communities with damaged homes and flooded streets in Santiago de Cuba.
How will U.S. humanitarian aid reach Cuban victims of Hurricane Melissa?
The aid, totaling three million dollars, will be delivered through Catholic Church institutions in Cuba, ensuring it does not pass through the Cuban regime's structures.