Rubio’s message is especially significant that it occurs on May 20, because it is the day that commemorates the birth of Cuba.
Rubio begins his message by remembering the date: “On this day in 1902, the Cuban flag flew for the first time over an independent country. But I know that today you, who call the island home, are going through unimaginable difficulties. Today I want to share with you the truth about the reason for your suffering and I want to tell you what we in the United States offer to help you not only alleviate the current crisis, but also build a better future.”
The Secretary of State of Cuban origin added: “The reason why they are forced to survive 22 hours a day without electricity is not due to an oil blockade by the United States, as you know better than anyone, they have been suffering from blackouts for years. The real reason why they do not have electricity, fuel or food is because those who control their country have looted billions of dollars. But nothing has been used to help the people.”
The message shows Rubio speaking directly to the Cuban people in Spanish. It is released when, within hours, the United States Department of Justice is expected to announce a criminal indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, 94 years old.
He also reiterated the offer of 100 million dollars in food and medicine that must be distributed directly to the Cuban people by the Catholic Church or another charitable group.
Rubio also criticized the repression of “anyone who dares to complain.”
“Everything passes through his hands”
He recalled that three decades ago Raúl Castro founded a company called “GAESA”, which is “property of the armed forces” and, he stated, “has income three times higher than the budget of his current government.”
“Today, while you suffer, these businessmen have 18 billion dollars in assets, and control 70% of Cuba’s economy.”
According to Rubio, they have profits from hotels, constructions, banks, stores and even from the money that their relatives send them from the United States. Everything, everything passes through his hands.
“Of those remittances, they retain a percentage, but nothing of GAESA’s profits reaches you. Instead of using the money to buy oil, like all other countries in the world, they depended on free oil from Hugo Chávez and Maduro to keep the money.”
The Secretary of State explains that now that free oil has stopped reaching them, they buy fuel for their generators and their vehicles, while the people are asked to sacrifice.
“Instead of using the money to maintain and modernize the power plants, they are damaged. They use the money to build more hotels for foreigners, to send their relatives to live in luxury in Madrid and even here in the United States.”
He stated that Cuba is not controlled by any revolution.
“Cuba is controlled by GAESA, a State within the State that is not accountable to anyone and monopolizes the profits of its businesses for the benefit of a small elite. And the only role the so-called government plays is to demand that you continue to make sacrifices and repress anyone who dares to complain.”
Direct relationship with the Cuban people
Rubio explained the US president’s plan for Cuba. “President Trump offers a new relationship between the United States and Cuba, but it has to be directly with you, the Cuban people. Not with GAESA.”
He reiterated the offer of 100 million dollars in food and medicine “for you, the people. But it has to be distributed directly to the Cuban people by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable groups. Not stolen by GAESA so they can sell it in their stores. But the Cuban people are not interested in permanent charity.”
He highlighted the preparation of Cubans: “You want the opportunity to live in your own country, as your family lives in the United States or in other countries in the world. Today, from the media to entertainment, from the business sector to politics, from music to sports, Cubans have reached the top of practically all industries in all countries, except one, Cuba.”
He stated that today in Cuba, only those close to the GAESA elite or who are part of it can have profitable businesses.
The next line explained the US president’s offer: “But President Trump offers a new way between the United States and a new Cuba. A new Cuba where you, ordinary Cubans, not just GAESA, can own a gas station or a clothing store or a restaurant. A new Cuba where you, not just GAESA, can open a bank or have a construction company.”
He promised a new Cuba where the people and not only the Communist Party of Cuba can own a television station or a newspaper.
“A new Cuba where you can complain about a failing system without fear of going to jail or being forced to leave your island. And a new Cuba where you have a real opportunity to elect those who govern your country and vote to replace them if they are not doing a good job. This is not impossible.”
He commented that all of these conditions occur in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and even “just 90 miles away in Florida.”
“Why is it not possible for you inside Cuba? In the United States we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people, our countries.”
He pointed out that currently, the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control the island.
