Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba's leader, refuted claims this Friday that the government diverts or sells international donations intended for its people. He asserted these resources are allocated for free with institutional oversight.
In a session with regime officials and state media, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the country distributes donations in alignment with the wishes of the donors.
"Our primary commitment is to honor the donor's intent. If donors specify that notebooks should go to a particular school, that’s where they go. Similarly, if a donor provides a solar water pumping system for a community, it is allocated accordingly," he explained.
When donations lack specific instructions, Díaz-Canel noted that authorities distribute them based on the nation's identified needs.
He maintained that items provided directly to citizens are never charged. "For instance, food distributed among the population has never been sold. It's given freely and often included in the monthly ration, but always without charge because it's a donation," he stated.
Díaz-Canel underlined that the state reaps no financial gain from these aids. "The benefit is social as it assists us, but there's no profit made from the donations," he claimed.
He also defended the presence of a rigorous institutional control system ensuring resource transparency. "There are comprehensive audits involving the prosecutor's office, the comptroller's office, and internal control systems to guarantee transparency and integrity with these donations," he said.
He challenged allegations of aid misappropriation, questioning, "What case of donation diversion can be cited in Cuba? Search through history. What evidence exists? Who can substantiate claims of corruption concerning state-managed donations?"
Díaz-Canel further stated that international organizations and diplomatic representations monitor where donations end up. According to him, entities like the World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Red Cross have representatives on the island who visit the distribution sites.
These statements come amid controversy over the recent humanitarian aid sent from Mexico to Cuba.
A report by Mexican channel TV Azteca alleged that donated food, such as "frijol del bienestar," was being sold in state-run stores operating in dollars. The report revealed packages of beans being sold in military-run establishments for $2.97 per half-kilo and up to $43 for 30-kilo sacks.
Cuban authorities dismissed these allegations, insisting that donations are distributed freely through a network of bodegas, with a focus on vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those in precarious situations.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Domestic Trade announced that beans donated by Mexico were being distributed in various Havana neighborhoods via the ration book, with quantities adjusted according to family size.
The fate of international donations to Cuba has long been contentious. Citizens and activists have frequently reported that aid meant for the populace ends up being sold or distributed for a fee, especially following natural disasters.
A notable incident was after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Initially, an official resolution allowed charging a commercial margin on aid products for victims, including distribution and transport costs. This was later revised to ensure these goods were given “at no cost” to recipients.
Díaz-Canel's remarks come as the management of international aid is once again under public scrutiny. His assertion that donated food "never been charged for" adds to the ongoing debate in the island over the handling and distribution of donations amid a prolonged economic crisis.
Understanding the Distribution of International Aid in Cuba
How does Cuba manage international donations?
Cuba claims to distribute international donations based on donor specifications or, if unspecified, according to the country's needs. The government insists these are given freely without financial gain.
What controversies surround Cuba's handling of aid?
There have been allegations that donations intended for the populace are sold in state-run stores, particularly highlighted by a recent report about Mexican aid being sold in dollar-operated outlets.
Who monitors the distribution of aid in Cuba?
According to the Cuban government, international organizations and diplomatic bodies, such as the WFP, UNDP, and Red Cross, oversee the distribution of aid on the island.