Willy Bermello, a Cuban-American architect and founder of Bermello Ajamil & Partners, has unveiled his leadership in a private consortium aimed at securing concessions for Cuba's eight major airports once a regime change occurs on the island.
Bermello described this endeavor as his most pressing ambition, following his work on designing the Trump Presidential Library in Miami. "Right now, it's about Cuba," he stated in an interview with Tania Costa, where he elaborated on the consortium's framework and the prerequisites for its activation.
Consortium Structure and Key Players
"We've established a preliminary consortium, essentially a partnership with various pillars," explained Bermello, noting that the group has been quietly working for several months. The first pillar is an airport concession company based in Buenos Aires, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, managing 58 airports globally. This is complemented by a private equity fund, which Bermello claims is among the top three worldwide, a construction company subsidiary of a public firm with 25% Cuban-American ownership, and an American Airlines executive, the airline with the most Miami operations.
The legal team includes attorney Nicolás Gutiérrez, an expert on Cuba's 1940 Constitution and property transfer mechanisms. The consortium also collaborates with associates of Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez, who advocates for maximum pressure on the regime and warns against investing in Cuba without political change.
Long-term Concession Plans and Economic Spark
The plan involves securing long-term concessions for these eight terminals to finance the necessary investment. "Our idea is to obtain long-term concessions, which are essential to repay the investment debt through Cuba's eight main airports," Bermello emphasized.
The primary airports include José Martí in Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Cayo Coco, with others being Manzanillo, Sierra Maestra, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey. The immediate goal would be to enable U.S. airlines like American, United, and Delta, along with international carriers such as Avianca, KLM, Alitalia, and Air France, to operate across these destinations. Bermello sees this as the initial spark for Cuba's economic revival, followed by the repair and construction of hotels and housing.
Prerequisites for Action
However, the consortium will not proceed until three conditions are met: a stable legal framework in Cuba, U.S. government support, and a regime change. "We're in serious discussions but haven't pulled the trigger. Why? Because the change hasn't yet happened in Cuba," he stated.
Willy Bermello confirmed that the U.S. State Department has been notified. "The idea is for them to know that there's an organized group ready to swiftly move in and start necessary improvements in airport infrastructure."
Bermello, who arrived in Miami at nine years old in 1960, hopes that post-transition Cuba will operate under the 1940 Constitution with amendments. His assessment of the current situation is stark: "Today, there's no justice, no laws. What exists is a plantation run by the Castro brothers."
Key Insights into Cuba's Airport Redevelopment
What is the main goal of the consortium led by Willy Bermello?
The main goal is to secure long-term concessions for Cuba's eight major airports to finance necessary investments and facilitate economic recovery.
Which airports are prioritized in the redevelopment plan?
The prioritized airports include José Martí in Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Cayo Coco, with others being Manzanillo, Sierra Maestra, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey.
What conditions must be met before the consortium can act?
The consortium requires a stable legal framework in Cuba, U.S. government support, and a regime change before proceeding with the plan.