Ferrer Stands by Otaola: "Actions Speak Louder Than Words"

Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García came to the defense of presenter Alexander Otaola on Wednesday, following the influencer's controversial remarks about food donations sent from Florida to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

In a Facebook post, the coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) clarified that he hadn't watched Otaola's entire statement but wanted to express his stance on humanitarian aid. "I believe it's fair, necessary, and right to help the victims of such a destructive natural disaster, but the most just, necessary, and right thing is to start with those who, in addition to suffering the damages caused by Hurricane Melissa, endure the relentless persecution of the Castro-communist tyranny," he wrote.

Ferrer emphasized his awareness of the assistance Otaola has provided on multiple occasions to political prisoners and those persecuted by the Cuban regime. "No matter what is said, I know firsthand how often Otaola has helped political prisoners, their families, and opponents of the criminal regime, victims of the worst hurricane: communism. Actions speak louder than words," he asserted.

Solidarity and Criticism in the Wake of Hurricane Melissa

Ferrer added that "Otaola is supportive of those who have suffered the most" and cautioned against those who discriminate against the most needy and deserving of help out of fear or vested interest with the criminal regime. He also condemned the hypocrisy of those who "applaud the criminal Díaz-Canel and attack the opposition fighting for freedom."

Ferrer’s post generated numerous supportive comments from activists and users both inside and outside of Cuba. Opposition figure Eliecer Góngora expressed full agreement with Ferrer and recounted his personal experience in prison: "When I was incarcerated, the tyranny tried to discourage me by saying no one remembered me, but I knew that wasn't true because my organization and friends in exile never forgot me and my family. Our greatest duty is to never forget our political prisoners; they rely on us and we will not abandon them. Long live a free Cuba!"

Other online users praised the tone of the message and supported Otaola’s defense. "Couldn't have said it better. Bravo! Long live a Cuba free of communism," one user commented. "Many blessings, brother. You are absolutely right. Freedom for all political prisoners. Homeland and life. Freedom," added another. "Ferrer is great, blessings and respect for life," noted a third.

Debate Over Humanitarian Aid Distribution

There were also comments denouncing the regime’s diversion of humanitarian aid. "The regime takes ownership of the aid arriving in Cuba and uses it to line their pockets. According to those close to the military, they are distributing bags with items likely from donations sent from abroad," pointed out one user.

Some users warned about divisions within the exile community and urged focus on political prisoners: "The troublemakers who help no one have started again." Another added, "The Cuban people have always turned their back on political prisoners. When they understand that freedom is paramount, and supporting prisoners is their duty, things will change." Overall, comments reflected broad support for Ferrer's message and emphasized that solidarity should transcend political differences.

Otaola's Controversial Remarks on Hurricane Relief

Ferrer’s words come amid a growing debate on how to channel humanitarian aid to Cuba, following recent statements by Alexander Otaola that sparked a wave of criticism for how he referred to food donations sent from Florida to Hurricane Melissa victims.

During one of his broadcasts, Otaola remarked that he understood sending clothes to those who had lost everything, but questioned the prioritization of food distribution. "You tell me, come on, you're giving clothes to people who have nothing, who lost everything, they will need it… but a little bottle of oil… it's a stomach issue, it's all 'tambucherism,'" he said.

The broadcaster added that the situation seemed like "an agricultural fair" and downplayed the scope of the solidarity collections by stating, "it's not organized or large-scale, just three idiots, four little things, two trucks, and that's it. They haven't mobilized anyone, just among themselves."

Later, Otaola exclaimed, "Oh, what a big thing, what a hungry people, for God's sake! Everything, everything, everything is about the stomach." He later wrote on social media that "misery does not remove misery" and "alms are not help," insisting that sending food does not solve the country's underlying problems.

His remarks were seen by many as lacking empathy toward Cubans affected by the natural disaster, leading to a strong backlash on social media and prompting Ferrer to step in to highlight the importance of solidarity and to remind of the aid Otaola has provided numerous times to political prisoners and their families.

However, this was not the first time the presenter had spoken on the subject. In early November, Otaola had already criticized the U.S. government's announcement to channel part of the humanitarian assistance through the Catholic Church, arguing that this method could benefit the communist regime. "Sending aid to the Cuban people through the Catholic Church is the same as giving it to the PCC's Department of Religious Affairs. Money in hand. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes," he wrote on Facebook.

The presenter advocated for channeling aid through island-based opposition groups, such as UNPACU or Cuba Decide, to ensure it reaches the affected directly. Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba on October 29, left thousands displaced and caused severe material damage in the provinces of Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.