Mike Hammer, the acting head of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, recently met with Spencer Chretien, the U.S. Department of State's emergency humanitarian aid coordinator, to assess the progress of distributing $3 million in aid to the Cuban populace.
The assistance, aimed at those affected by Hurricane Melissa, is being delivered through the Catholic Church and Caritas, according to a statement released by the embassy on X.
The statement emphasizes that this aid represents a humanitarian response to the cyclone's impact, with efforts focused on tracking the progression of its distribution.
In November, the U.S. government announced the allocation of $3 million in humanitarian assistance for Cubans impacted by Hurricane Melissa, as outlined in the same document.
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) of the Department of State shared this information, clarifying that the distribution would be executed in collaboration with the Catholic Church to ensure direct delivery to the most affected communities, explicitly bypassing Cuban government intermediaries.
The WHA's statement highlighted that the U.S. was working with the Catholic Church to directly deliver aid to those in eastern Cuba hardest hit by the hurricane's devastation, while also expressing their "prayers" for the "courageous Cuban people."
This decision is part of a broader commitment to providing direct support to the Cuban people during crises, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio's pledge to offer assistance "without regime intermediaries."
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on October 29, leaving tens of thousands displaced and causing damage to homes, crops, and power networks in Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, with reports of some communities still cut off.
By channeling aid through the Catholic Church, the goal is to ensure a transparent and efficient delivery to the most vulnerable regions.
This humanitarian gesture from Washington introduces a new chapter in the historically tense bilateral relations, which have often hindered cooperation during emergencies.
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued an official response to the announcement.
Cuban Humanitarian Aid and U.S. Involvement
How is the $3 million aid being distributed to Cuba?
The aid is being distributed through the Catholic Church and Caritas to ensure it reaches the most affected communities directly, without the involvement of the Cuban government.
What is the purpose of the U.S. aid to Cuba?
The aid is intended to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by Hurricane Melissa, supporting them in the aftermath of the storm's destruction.
Why is the aid being channeled through the Catholic Church?
The aid is channeled through the Catholic Church to ensure efficient and transparent delivery, bypassing the Cuban government's influence and reaching those in need directly.