Over the weekend, the Retreat and Community Center in El Cobre, part of the Santiago de Cuba diocese, offered assistance to 521 families affected by Hurricane Melissa. These families received donated food and hygiene kits from the people of the United States, as reported by Cáritas Cuba.
The aid, directed toward the eastern region—one of the hardest hit by the storm—was distributed freely and systematically by Cáritas volunteers, prioritizing individuals with disabilities, isolated elderly, pregnant women, and ill children who were identified as the most vulnerable following the hurricane last October.
Guidance for the operation was provided by the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, the director of diocesan Cáritas, a representative from Catholic Relief Services, and Rogelio Deán Puerta, the parish priest and rector of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Charity.
Ana María Piñol Navarrete, director of Cáritas in this diocese, emphasized that the aid "will continue until we reach all 660 families identified as having heightened vulnerability post-hurricane."
This effort is part of a humanitarian mission from the U.S. government, planned as three separate deliveries: two by air and one by sea, aiming to support approximately 6,000 families across the dioceses of Bayamo-Manzanillo, Holguín-Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo-Baracoa. The second airplane landed in Santiago de Cuba, carrying 528 non-perishable food kits and 660 hygiene kits, which were transported to El Cobre for free distribution.
The United States Department of State outlined that these deliveries are part of a three-million-dollar disaster aid package pledged by the Trump Administration. “We have taken exceptional steps to ensure that this assistance directly reaches the Cuban people, free from interference or diversion by the illegitimate regime,” stated the official communiqué.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana expressed satisfaction that the aid is reaching "those most in need" and asserted that "more assistance will follow" if distribution proceeds smoothly.
The shipment includes 528 non-perishable food kits, 660 hygiene kits, water treatment supplies, and household items like pots, sheets, blankets, and solar flashlights to alleviate power outages. In Holguín, Cáritas has also begun distributing these modules in affected communities such as Cacocum, with the help of volunteers and local parish members.
Meanwhile, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement accusing Washington of “exploiting the hurricane-induced tragedy as a tool to reinforce its political rhetoric and discredit the Havana government.” The document added that "the U.S. government is opportunistically and politically manipulating what might appear to be a humanitarian gesture."
The MINREX further claimed Cuban authorities “learned of the initiative through the Cuban Catholic Church” and reiterated that “all humanitarian contributions, regardless of origin, must go through designated official channels for reception, organization, and distribution.”
Conversely, Cuban-American congress members supported the regime's exclusion from the delivery process. “We all know for years that the murderous dictatorship in Cuba steals donations and then resells them to the people at exorbitant prices,” stated Congressman Carlos Giménez. Meanwhile, María Elvira Salazar declared: “By bypassing the regime, we support the people's fight for freedom, not their oppressor.”
Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba as a Category 3 storm in October, left thousands displaced and caused severe damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The international aid managed by Cáritas aims to address the basic needs of the hardest-hit communities, which still face food shortages, power outages, and challenges in accessing essential services.
Key Questions About the U.S. Aid to Cuba
What areas in Cuba are receiving U.S. humanitarian aid?
The aid is focused on the dioceses of Bayamo-Manzanillo, Holguín-Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo-Baracoa, targeting approximately 6,000 families in total.
What does the U.S. aid package include?
The package includes non-perishable food kits, hygiene kits, water treatment supplies, and household items like pots, sheets, blankets, and solar flashlights to help mitigate power outages.
How is the aid being distributed in Cuba?
The aid is distributed by volunteers from Cáritas Cuba, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, isolated elders, pregnant women, and sick children.