Cuban singer Israel Rojas, known for his support of the Castro regime, has publicly voiced his backing for Carlos Lazo, a Cuban professor residing in the United States. Lazo, who has been delivering medical supplies to pediatric hospitals in Cuba for years, now claims that the government is hindering his humanitarian efforts.
Rojas spoke out in response to comments from a Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) official who accused Lazo of dishonesty, though she acknowledged that Lazo has been denied access to health institutions on occasion. "It's profoundly unjust to suggest he lies," the singer-songwriter stated on his Facebook page.
As the leader of the band Buena Fe, Rojas reminded his followers that he had previously warned about what he described as a "botched handling by certain institutions" regarding emigrants who advocate for normalizing Cuba-U.S. relations. "I've witnessed how their treatment shifted from admiration to evasion, and recently to obstruction of their engagement with Cuban society," he emphasized.
Rojas praised Lazo's initiative, Puentes de Amor (Bridges of Love), noting that it represents a constructive and distinct approach to connecting the nation with its diaspora. "I'll say it here and now: IF THE CIA IS SENDING THEM, THEN LET THE CIA KEEP MAKING MISTAKES and stop bothering so much. It's hard to prove that the arguments of several 'ultra-revolutionary' sites are the same as those of the super haters," he stressed.
This week, Carlos Lazo made headlines by alleging that Cuban authorities are imposing barriers to the direct delivery of medical supplies and powdered milk to the island's pediatric hospitals. This marks a significant change in his narrative, as he has long been seen as an ally of the regime in its fight against the U.S. embargo.
The Cuban-American activist, recognized for his leadership in Puentes de Amor, expressed that the government is blocking the humanitarian work his organization has conducted for years to benefit the Cuban people. "Puentes de Amor can no longer visit Cuban pediatric hospitals," he declared. He stated that the issue has persisted for months, yet activists remain committed to delivering donations to Cuba despite a "mysterious regulation" preventing them from visiting medical centers.
"It seems that extremism, suspicion, and silence against us are not just Miami phenomena. In Cuba, things happen that discourage and offend those fighting for Cuban families," he added.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime has vehemently denied Lazo's claims of restricted access to health institutions for him or other solidarity groups. Yilian Jiménez Expósito, a Ministry of Public Health official, asserted that "Cuba has never denied access to solidarity groups to health institutions," and clarified that Lazo himself has documentation proving the delivery of his donations.
"He has not told the truth. When he couldn't visit the hospital, evidence of the donation reception was always sent to him," she stated.
Key Issues Surrounding Carlos Lazo's Humanitarian Efforts
What is Carlos Lazo's role in humanitarian aid to Cuba?
Carlos Lazo leads the Puentes de Amor project, which has been delivering medical supplies and support to Cuban pediatric hospitals for years.
How has the Cuban government responded to Lazo's allegations?
The Cuban government, through a Ministry of Public Health official, denied restricting access to health institutions and claimed Lazo has documentation to prove his donations have been received.
Why has Israel Rojas supported Carlos Lazo?
Israel Rojas supports Carlos Lazo because he views Lazo's efforts as a constructive and distinct method of engaging with the Cuban diaspora and normalizing relations between Cuba and the United States.