The Grand Lodge of Cuba has experienced a series of turbulent events in recent months, thrusting this discreet community into the media spotlight and exposing internal conflicts within the institution.
It all began on January 12, 2024, when $19,000 was reported stolen from a safe that housed the Treasury of the Llansó National Masonic Asylum. The Grand Master and co-president of the Lodge's Patronage, Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño, kept the money in his office. On January 15, he issued an official statement denying responsibility for the missing funds and announced measures to investigate the incident.
By the end of that month, the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Republic of Cuba expelled the Grand Master, accusing him of negligence and mismanagement. However, Urquía Carreño refused to step down. During the semi-annual session of the High Chamber, he had to leave the room amidst shouts of "thief, usurper, scoundrel, traitor."
On March 26, the High Chamber announced the election of Juan Alberto Kessel Linares as the new Grand Master. In April, former Grand Master Urquía Carreño was accused by Cuban authorities of embezzling $2,360, exacerbating the internal crisis within Cuban Freemasonry.
A few days after the formal accusation was made to the police, the Ministry of Justice of Cuba intervened and imposed sanctions on the masons involved in the alleged thefts. Additionally, the government entity suspended official activities and denied the ability to operate bank accounts to the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Republic of Cuba in response to the events.
In June, the Directorate of Associations of the Ministry of Justice of Cuba invalidated the expulsion of Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño and officially reinstated him as head of the Supreme Council and the Grand Lodge. In other words, the government intervened in the Lodge and nullified the decision of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Republic of Cuba.
This situation provoked an adverse reaction among the masons, who refused to recognize Urquía Carreño's authority and vowed to bring the matter to the Registry of Associations of the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS). This series of events has shaken the Cuban Masonic community, revealing internal tensions and power struggles that remain unresolved. It also highlights how the regime extends its reach to control even institutions where it should have neither voice nor vote.
Key Questions About the Crisis at the Grand Lodge of Cuba
In light of the ongoing turmoil within the Grand Lodge of Cuba, several questions arise about the details and implications of these events. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What events led to the current crisis at the Grand Lodge of Cuba?
The crisis began with the theft of $19,000 from the Treasury of the Llansó National Masonic Asylum on January 12, 2024, and was followed by accusations of negligence and embezzlement against Grand Master Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño, leading to his expulsion and subsequent reinstatement by the government.
Who is Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño?
Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño is the Grand Master and co-president of the Patronage of the Grand Lodge of Cuba. He has been at the center of controversy due to allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement.
How did the Cuban government intervene in the Grand Lodge's affairs?
The Ministry of Justice of Cuba intervened by imposing sanctions on the masons involved, suspending official activities, freezing bank accounts, and eventually invalidating the expulsion of Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño, reinstating him as Grand Master.
What has been the response from the Masonic community?
The Masonic community has reacted negatively, refusing to recognize Urquía Carreño's authority and planning to challenge the government's decision with the Registry of Associations of the Ministry of Justice.