The U.S. has offered Cuba a new development strategy and $100 million in aid
The United States has stated its readiness to provide Cuba with large-scale humanitarian aid and support for economic reforms, provided that the current political and business elites relinquish control.
This was reported by CBS News.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, recorded a message in Spanish in which he called on Cubans to support a change in political course and distance themselves from what he called “corrupt elites.”
The statement came after reports that a grand jury in Florida had indicted 94-year-old Raúl Castro in a case related to the deaths of U.S. citizens.
Commenting on the situation, Rubio emphasized that Cuba needs systemic changes and a new economic course after decades of communist rule.
In his address, the U.S. Secretary of State sharply criticized the influence of the GAESA structure, which he called a key economic player linked to Cuba’s political elite.
According to him, this entity controls a significant portion of the country’s economy, including the hotel industry, construction, the banking sector, trade, and remittances from abroad.
Rubio stated that a significant portion of the revenue does not reach ordinary citizens but is concentrated in the hands of a small circle of individuals.
Washington has offered a $100 million aid package that will include food and medicine.
At the same time, the U.S. emphasizes that the aid will not be transferred to the Cuban government or entities affiliated with it, particularly GAESA.
The distribution of humanitarian resources is planned to be carried out through the Catholic Church and charitable organizations to prevent,
as stated, abuse and resale of aid.
Rubio stressed that the current system must be changed, and economic opportunities must become accessible to all citizens.
“A new Cuba, where ordinary Cubans, not just GAESA, can own a gas station, a clothing store, or a restaurant,” Marco Rubio stated.
The U.S. is offering Cuba a combination of economic aid and reforms in exchange for the current elites relinquishing their influence, while emphasizing the need to transition to a more open market-based economic model.
Representatives of the U.S. State Department held talks with Cuban authorities in Havana—this is the first time in a decade that a U.S. government plane has landed in Cuba.
As a reminder, Trump has authorized the supply of oil to Cuba from Russia and other countries.
