In a move that has sparked outrage among activists and citizens, the government authorities in Guantánamo have halted donations collected by the charity group "Huellas," intended to assist families impacted by Hurricane Oscar. Johanna Jolá Álvarez, the leader of the project, took to Facebook to express that the donations were withheld due to alleged protocol violations, which she describes as an "anticuban and unethical" act.
"It's infuriating to be treated like criminals when our only intention was to help," voiced the frustrated "Huellas" team. Their mission to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo was obstructed by local authorities on December 28, 2024. Despite claims of protocol breaches, the donations, gathered over several weeks, were meant for devastated families, educational institutions, libraries, and health centers in municipalities such as San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, and Maisí.
Renowned for their humanitarian work, the "Huellas" team returned to Guantánamo from Havana with a cargo of food, clothing, toys, sanitary supplies, and essential medical equipment, including wheelchairs for children with special needs. Instead of facilitating the immediate distribution of these resources, local officials opted to withhold them.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing, justifies blocking donations, especially at the end of the year. Even less when it involves food specifically purchased for those in dire survival situations," they emphasized in their complaint.
Unexplained Protocols and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The conflict arose when local officials summoned the group to a meeting at the Provincial Government of Guantánamo. Representatives such as Daysi Sarmientos and Foreign Trade officials argued that the donations violated a newly established protocol.
"Huellas," which had previously conducted two successful trips to the province without issues, stated they were unaware of any new procedures. "Even they couldn't explain this so-called protocol or procedure, supposedly implemented in the last 15 days," they pointed out.
Despite the group's efforts to justify their actions and present evidence of transparency, including invoices and donation records, the authorities remained adamant in their decision. The withholding of aid stirred anger among both the team and the beneficiary communities, who had anticipated these donations to conclude a year marked by devastation.
Community Impact and Continued Harassment
Beyond the blockage, the group reported harassment and interrogations of those victims who attended a New Year's Eve dinner organized by the group in Baracoa. "It's unbelievable that they went to question Joelmis and other victims as if we were doing something wrong," they noted, questioning whether solidarity among Cubans has become a crime.
"Huellas" extended their gratitude to the Public Health and Education authorities, who had supported their efforts in previous trips, and lamented that bureaucratic procedures undermined the collaborative work. In their words: "Putting a 'procedure, a protocol' above the well-being of the people is an unworthy, anticuban, unethical act, an inexplicable lack of sensitivity."
Understanding the Blockade of Donations in Cuba
Why were the donations to Guantánamo withheld?
Authorities claim the donations violated a recently established protocol, though the specifics of this protocol were not clearly communicated.
What was the intended purpose of these donations?
The donations were meant to support families affected by Hurricane Oscar, as well as local schools, libraries, and health centers.
How has the community reacted to the blockade?
The decision to block the donations has caused outrage among the community and the "Huellas" team, who are frustrated by the bureaucratic interference in their relief efforts.