Diego Suárez, a prominent Cuban exile businessman approaching his 100th birthday, has raised alarms in a conversation with journalist Tania Costa, asserting that Miami is inadvertently supporting the Cuban regime through remittances. He unveiled efforts by the exile community, in collaboration with allies in Washington, to sever this financial lifeline to the dictatorship.
This notion stems from a theory proposed by Rubén Cortés, a journalist based in Mexico and former director of the newspaper La Razón. Cortés argues that "Miami is the sole revenue stream left for Castro's regime today." Suárez concurs with this view, stating, "Without a doubt, this is a battle we are fighting alongside fellow exiled Cubans."
Coordinated Efforts with Washington
Suárez, a historic co-founder of the Cuban American National Foundation, elaborated on a strategic approach, revealing that "we are also engaging with Washington to permanently halt remittances to Cuba. They talk about a blockade; I believe they will now face a total blockade, thanks to our coordinated efforts with Washington allies."
He further assured that this intensified pressure enjoys political backing at the highest levels. "Our congressmen, like Marco Rubio, and even President Trump are committed. They have not only stated their support but have offered it. I am absolutely confident that new sanctions are imminent."
Economic Impact on Remittances
This announcement comes amid a backdrop where official remittances to Cuba have already plummeted by 70% since 2019, when the island received over $2.055 billion. This decline is largely attributed to the indefinite suspension of Western Union services from the United States to Cuba since February 2025.
Responding to concerns that halting remittances could "starve" families remaining on the island, Suárez dismissed such claims. "No, absolutely not. On the contrary, this is precisely to prevent them from continuing to suffer hunger and hardship."
A Vision for a Free Cuba
Suárez outlined a phased strategy akin to a 30-day plan. "Cubans will send their last remittances to family in Cuba, and by the time they use them up, Cuba will be free."
He illustrated this with a straightforward metaphor: "Imagine you receive money to last you 30 days, and you're told there will be no more... but after 30 days, you can receive all you need because you will finally be free."
The economic backdrop to his words is the control exerted by GAESA, the military conglomerate handling 95% of the island's foreign exchange transactions, meaning a significant portion of remittances from Miami ends up in the hands of the Castro regime.
Rejection of Annexation and Vision for Sovereignty
Suárez firmly dismissed any notion of annexation, statehood, or turning Cuba into the "51st state" of the United States, emphasizing a vision for an independent Cuba. "Under no circumstances... We do not want the American eagle to flourish in Cuba."
He reminisced about the republic of 1902 as a model to emulate. "We were among the three most developed Latin American countries, alongside Argentina and Uruguay."
As a key figure behind Radio and TV Martí, along with Jorge Mas Canosa, Suárez is intimately familiar with the pivotal elements of the plan Mas Canosa left for Cubans to achieve democratic transition. He concluded with a powerful statement: "I have never felt the freedom of Cuba as close as I do now."
Frequently Asked Questions about Miami's Role in Cuban Remittances
Why are remittances from Miami considered crucial for Cuba's economy?
Remittances from Miami are seen as a vital financial resource for the Cuban regime, as they provide a significant portion of the foreign currency needed for transactions managed by GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling most of Cuba's foreign exchange activities.
What is Diego Suárez's plan to stop remittances?
Diego Suárez proposes a coordinated effort with Washington to halt remittances, aiming to deprive the Cuban regime of this financial lifeline, thereby increasing pressure for change on the island.
How does Suárez respond to concerns about families in Cuba losing remittances?
Suárez argues that halting remittances is intended to prevent continued suffering among Cuban families, suggesting that short-term hardships will lead to long-term freedom and prosperity.