An American activist recently expressed that a segment of the Cuban community in Miami might not have the island's best interests at heart, during a trip orchestrated in Havana.
Sabrina Díaz, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and part of the "Let Cuba Live" brigade, stated in a report aired by Cuban state television, "I come here and take the information I gather from the island back to Miami because I know there's a base of Cubans there who, I don't know, don't have the best intentions for Cubans on the island."
Her remarks came during visits to state-run institutions, as part of a schedule coordinated with official organizations in Cuba.
Engagements in Cuban Institutions
The brigade, comprising 41 young individuals from various political and social organizations in the United States, visited Ciudad Escolar Libertad where they engaged with students and teachers, as well as the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital.
In the same report, another group member, Karina Hwang from Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, criticized U.S. policies and mentioned that schools face resource shortages to the extent of having to purchase basic materials for students. She questioned why the U.S. is exposing others to this situation without taking care of its own.
Backlash from the Cuban Community
Díaz's comments sparked strong reactions among viewers who commented on the video published on the CiberCuba Noticias Facebook page. Many questioned her authority to speak on Cuban realities and defended the role of exiles. "What does she know about us?" one user commented, while another noted, "thanks to these so-called 'ill-intentioned' Cubans, many people have food and medicine."
Comments frequently highlighted the crucial economic support the diaspora provides to families in Cuba: "Girl, find out how many Cubans eat with Miami dollars" and "we are the ones doing everything for those in Cuba, sending medicine and food."
Others questioned the validity of making judgments without experiencing the country's conditions firsthand: "Go live in Cuba for a month with the ration book and see for yourself" and "when they get tired, they pack up and leave; don't comment on what you've never lived day to day."
Some users also questioned the legitimacy of her claims: "And how many island citizens has she asked about what they want?" "She knows nothing about us Cubans" and "she's not Cuban and doesn't know what happens in Cuba."
Discrepancies Between Political Rhetoric and Economic Reality
Other comments pointed to the contrast between political discourse and the country's economic situation: "When a country has to survive on aid, its government is redundant" and "these aids serve more for political propaganda than solving problems."
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Diaspora and Economic Support
What is the "Let Cuba Live" brigade?
The "Let Cuba Live" brigade is a group of young individuals from various political and social organizations in the United States who visit Cuba to engage with local institutions and promote solidarity with the Cuban people.
How does the Cuban diaspora support the island?
The Cuban diaspora, especially in places like Miami, provides significant economic support to families on the island through remittances. This financial help is crucial for many Cubans to access food, medicine, and other necessities.