U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a message in Spanish on Wednesday, aimed directly at the Cuban people. The message coincided with the 124th anniversary of the Republic of Cuba's proclamation. Rubio pointed fingers at the military conglomerate GAESA for the hardships experienced on the island, proposing a vision of a "new Cuba" where success isn't dependent on the Communist Party.
In a video shared on his X account, Rubio was forthright: "The real reason you lack electricity, fuel, and food is because those who control your country have plundered billions of dollars, with none of it being used to assist the people."
Rubio characterized GAESA as "a state within a state, accountable to no one," managing $18 billion in assets and overseeing 70% of the Cuban economy, including hotels, banks, and even remittances from relatives in the United States.
The Economic Stronghold of GAESA
Rubio explained that Raúl Castro established GAESA three decades ago as the economic arm of the Armed Forces, with revenues tripling the Cuban government's budget. He accused the conglomerate's elite of purchasing fuel for personal generators and vehicles while asking citizens to make sacrifices, and of building hotels for foreigners instead of modernizing derelict power plants.
"Cuba is not controlled by any revolution. Cuba is controlled by GAESA," Rubio declared, adding that the government's role is merely "to demand that you continue sacrificing and to suppress anyone who dares to complain."
Humanitarian Aid and Conditions
On behalf of President Trump, Rubio extended an offer of $100 million in food and medicine, with the specific condition: "It must be distributed directly to the Cuban people by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable groups, not stolen by GAESA to be sold in their stores."
This offer comes amidst increasing pressure on Havana. The State Department sanctioned GAESA on May 7, describing it as the "heart of Cuba's kleptocratic communist system," and set a June 5 deadline for foreign companies to cease business with the conglomerate.
Initially, the regime dismissed the $100 million proposal as "fiction," but according to El País, Díaz-Canel accepted the aid for food, fuel, and medicine on May 14.
Vision for a New Cuba
Amid an unprecedented energy crisis, with a record electrical deficit of 2,153 MW on May 13 and the sixth nationwide blackout in 18 months on March 16, the UN reported in April that over 96,000 surgeries were postponed, 32,000 pregnant women were at risk, and nearly half a million students faced reduced school hours.
Beyond immediate aid, Rubio painted a future vision: "A new Cuba where everyday Cubans, not just GAESA, can own a gas station, a clothing store, or a restaurant."
He also advocated for a Cuba where citizens can own media outlets, "complain about a failing system without fear of imprisonment," and elect and replace their leaders through voting.
Rubio compared this potential to the reality in neighboring countries: "If owning your own business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why is it not possible for you within Cuba?"
The message concluded with an implicit warning to the regime: "In the United States, we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people and our countries. Currently, the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control your country."
FAQs on Marco Rubio's Message to Cuba
What is GAESA and why is it significant in Cuba?
GAESA is a military-controlled conglomerate in Cuba that manages $18 billion in assets and controls 70% of the economy, including key sectors like hotels and banking. It is significant because it operates as a state within the state, with substantial influence over the country's resources and economy.
What did Marco Rubio propose for the future of Cuba?
Marco Rubio proposed a vision of a "new Cuba" where success is not tied to the Communist Party. He envisioned a future where ordinary Cubans can own businesses, media outlets, and have the ability to criticize the government without fear of reprisal, and participate in democratic elections.
How did the Cuban regime initially respond to the aid proposal?
The Cuban regime initially dismissed the $100 million aid proposal as "fiction." However, reports suggest that Díaz-Canel later accepted the aid for food, fuel, and medicine.