The Bank of Credit and Commerce (Bandec) recently expressed a "human touch" on Facebook, unveiling a new bank account dedicated to collecting funds for those impacted by natural disasters in eastern Cuba. This initiative aims to facilitate public donations. Contributions can be made through various platforms, including Transfermóvil, Enzona, and the Kiosco portal, as well as cash deposits at Bandec branches.
This approach is not new for the Cuban government, having been utilized during previous crises such as Hurricane Ian in 2022 and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic food relief efforts. While the Cuban people's solidarity is unquestionable in times of crisis, this state-led initiative raises significant concerns about the government's ability to fulfill its responsibilities in aiding affected citizens.
Questioning Government Accountability
In a nation where the state exerts near-total control over the economy, it is troubling that the government must rely on voluntary contributions from an already impoverished population instead of allocating its own resources for disaster relief. Historically, rather than donating food, the Cuban government has opted to sell it to disaster victims, as seen after the La Lisa building collapses in March 2024, following floods in Havana, and on previous occasions.
Lack of Transparency
Adding to these concerns is the longstanding lack of transparency in Cuba's resource management. Citizens have little assurance that their donations will genuinely reach those in need. This lack of accountability further complicates public trust in the state's handling of relief efforts.
Ultimately, Bandec's fundraising for disaster victims seems to serve as a government strategy to deflect its responsibility in emergency management, leveraging public goodwill to bolster its narrative.