US Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked Cuban Independence Day with a direct message to the people of Cuba, accusing the island’s communist leadership of driving the country into a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.
In a Spanish-language video released on Wednesday, Rubio blamed Cuba’s ruling establishment for the “unimaginable hardships” faced by ordinary citizens and said Washington was prepared to support a “new path” for the country.
“And I want to tell you what we in the US are offering to help you — not only alleviate the current crisis, but also build a better future,” Rubio said in the address. He also argued that Cuba’s chronic shortages of electricity, fuel and food were the result of corruption and economic mismanagement by the country’s leadership.
“The real reason you don't have electricity, fuel, or food is because those who control your country have plundered billions of dollars, but nothing has been used to help the people,” Rubio added.
A major focus of Rubio’s remarks was GAESA, the powerful military-run business conglomerate established during the era of Fidel Castro. The organisation is estimated to control nearly 70 per cent of Cuba’s economy through its interests in tourism, construction, banking, retail and remittance networks. According to Axios, GAESA’s assets are believed to be worth around $18 billion.
“President Trump is offering a new relationship between the US and Cuba. But it must be directly with you, the Cuban people — not with GAESA,” Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State further claimed that Cuba’s revolutionary communist system had evolved into a corrupt power structure dominated by military-linked elites. “Cuba is not controlled by any revolution. Cuba is controlled by GAESA. The only role played by the so-called government is to demand that you continue making sacrifices and repress anyone who dares to complain,” he added.
Elaborating on the achievements of Cubans living abroad, Rubio argued that their global success underscored the failures of Cuba’s current leadership. “Today, from media to entertainment, from the private sector to politics, and from music to sports, Cubans have reached the top of virtually all industries, in all countries — except one: Cuba,” he said.
Describing Cuba as being in the midst of a severe economic and governance crisis, Rubio highlighted widespread shortages of food and fuel as well as prolonged blackouts, with some areas reportedly receiving electricity for only a few hours each day.
Rubio said the Trump administration was prepared to provide humanitarian support directly to the Cuban people, announcing an offer of $100 million worth of food and medicine.
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