Cuban content creator Sisi Aguilera has stirred debate with a Facebook video questioning the effectiveness of U.S. humanitarian aid to Cuba. She argues that the aid does little to address the underlying issues facing the Cuban people, who remain caught between sanctions and superficial assistance.
"On one hand, they squeeze, and on the other, they loosen. The ones caught in the middle, still suffering, are the people of Cuba," Aguilera declared.
Does the Aid Reach Those in Need?
Aguilera's main question targets the scope of the humanitarian aid: "What purpose does it serve to give beans, rice, and a flashlight to 50%, or even 30% of the population? The entire nation is starving."
While Aguilera does not dismiss Washington's solidarity, she emphasizes that the assistance fails to tackle the root of the crisis.
"I don't believe this is the help that the Cuban people need. It might alleviate their struggles for two or three days at most, but the reality remains unchanged," she pointed out.
The Need for Sustainable Solutions
"What Cubans need today are not temporary fixes. Cuba needs to live with dignity, to have access to food, medicine, electricity, water, and the opportunity to progress," Aguilera stated in the text accompanying her video.
She also refuted the notion that only part of the island is suffering, asserting, "It's not just 'half of Cuba' that's struggling. The whole country is facing increasingly tough circumstances."
Aguilera's post received numerous supportive comments, although some urged her to trust in the U.S. government.
"Remember, we and the Americans think differently. They have their stages and steps. They differentiate between the people and the dictators. This aid is for the people, but they also know freedom is needed and will work towards it," one user commented.
Political Implications and Public Reaction
Another user noted, "What happens is President Trump, no matter how much he wants to push back, can’t do so as easily. This isn't like Cuba where there's a dictatorship. Here, there's Congress, the House of Representatives, the Senate. Many steps are involved, including evaluating a country before engaging in conflict."
The video by Aguilera emerged amid the distribution of humanitarian aid in the municipalities of Bejucal (Mayabeque) and Alquízar (Artemisa), managed by Cáritas Habana.
The first official flight under the new U.S. initiative departed from Miami on July 21, carrying 18 tons of food and hygiene supplies, enough for about 700 families in its initial phase.
This shipment is part of a $100 million package announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 8, 2026, intended to benefit between 100,000 and 200,000 families across the island.
Washington’s strategy intentionally bypasses the Cuban government, channeling funds through the Catholic Church, Cáritas Cuba, and independent NGOs.
The regime has criticized the initiative as "hypocrisy" and political manipulation, demanding that any aid be routed through state channels.
Rubio, however, maintains that the only barrier preventing resources from reaching the people is the Cuban government's refusal to allow non-official distribution.
In tandem with the humanitarian shipments, Washington has intensified sanctions against Cuban entities linked to GAESA and the regime's security apparatus, exacerbating the contradiction Aguilera highlights.
"If you're going to tighten, don't loosen. I didn't understand," Aguilera summarized, encapsulating the discussion her video has sparked both within and beyond Cuba.
Understanding U.S. Aid to Cuba
What is the main criticism of the U.S. humanitarian aid to Cuba?
The primary criticism is that the aid does not address the root problems faced by the Cuban people, offering only temporary relief without solving underlying issues.
How does the U.S. bypass the Cuban government with its aid?
The U.S. channels its aid through the Catholic Church, Cáritas Cuba, and independent NGOs, deliberately excluding the Cuban government from the process.
What is the Cuban regime's response to the U.S. aid initiative?
The Cuban regime has labeled the initiative as "hypocrisy" and political manipulation, demanding that any aid pass through official state channels.