The Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) has suffered extensive damage following the passage of Hurricane Rafael on November 6. This economic hub, which the Cuban regime has pinned its hopes on for economic growth, now stands as another testament to the failure of their plans, presenting a bleak landscape in the hurricane's aftermath.
A report from Cuban Television highlighted the severe impacts of Rafael on the Mariel Container Terminal facilities. "We can say the damages are significant. As part of the recovery program, we'll begin by revitalizing the yard in sections to resume the Terminal's operations as quickly as possible and restart container deliveries," stated José Leonardo Sosa Barrios, the deputy director of the Terminal.
The government has also tallied the destruction of rooftops, containers dragged by the storm's rain and wind, as well as flooded factories. Among the few businesses established in the ZEDM, the Vietnamese group Thai Binh has been hit hardest. Two of its managed locations, the Guajaibón Photovoltaic Solar Park and the Suchel tbv Detergent Factory, suffered the most damage.
"The diaper factory, located across from the detergent plant, has similar damages. We're putting all our efforts into completing the recovery within 14 days," expressed Tu Tranh, president of Thai Binh Group. A Vietnamese worker added, "The hurricane took away part of the raw materials warehouse, the finished products warehouse, and also the tower's roof."
Thai Binh Global Trading Corp. has operated in Cuba for 26 years, being one of the first to export products to Latin America in sectors such as clothing, footwear, consumer goods, food, and construction materials.
Brascuba Factory Faces Severe Challenges
Another factory severely affected was that of Brascuba. According to its co-president, Robinson Tamayo González, "almost 40% of the roof was lifted, causing the machines to get wet." The storm's rain and winds also affected the chimney of the boiler; however, the executive noted that the warehouse remained intact, keeping production unhindered.
"All finished products from previous days are in perfect condition since the warehouse was undamaged. We face tough days ahead, assessing damages, recovering, and working on the mechanical and electronic parts of the machines, but we will rise again," he assured.
Government's Mismanagement Hampers ZEDM's Potential
The ZEDM is overseen by the Council of Ministers, which manages its operations, develops, and leads its Development and Business Program. However, the initial vision for this enclave has not been fulfilled due to the stringent requirements and demands imposed by the regime on new businesses. Located in the northern part of Artemisa province, the area was the most affected by Hurricane Rafael.