The humanitarian platform Huellas announced on Friday that the provincial government of Guantánamo has authorized the release of donation boxes that had been held for several days. This update was conveyed through a WhatsApp message received by Johanna Jolá Álvarez, coordinator of Huellas, who credited public pressure for the release of the aid.
"Good evening, Yohanna. I inform you that the document has been approved by the Provincial Temporary Group. Please let me know if you still wish to come and make the deliveries personally, and if so, when you would like to come. Regards, Daisy," read the message that finally resolved the impasse, as shared by Álvarez on Facebook.
The donations, collected both within and outside Cuba, consist of food, medication, and other essential goods aimed at supporting those most impacted by the crisis in Guantánamo, a situation worsened by Hurricane Oscar last year. Social media reports indicated that these donations, gathered during the last week of December, were withheld due to alleged "protocol violations," despite being intended for affected families, educational institutions, libraries, and healthcare centers in municipalities such as San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, and Maisí.
The Huellas team, recognized for their humanitarian work, returned to Guantánamo from Havana with a shipment of food, clothing, toys, hygiene supplies, and essential medical equipment, including wheelchairs for children with special needs. However, instead of allowing these resources to be distributed immediately, local authorities decided to hold them, as explained at the time.
Huellas has emphasized the importance of distributing aid directly to ensure it reaches those most in need. In a statement, the group expressed gratitude to everyone who mobilized to raise awareness of the situation and apply pressure for the donations' return. "The power of the people, that's real power," the platform declared on Facebook.
"We thank all the honorable, upright, and honest individuals who have exercised power and have been true public servants thinking of the people's well-being," the statement highlighted. Huellas also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and proximity in aid distribution, which will be carried out personally to ensure each donation reaches the hands of those affected.
Finally, Huellas called for continued collaboration: "Anyone wishing to contribute can contact us at +53 55 05 71 11," they noted.
FAQs on Huellas and Donation Distribution in Guantánamo
Why were the donations to Guantánamo initially held?
The donations were reportedly retained due to alleged "protocol violations" despite being intended for families in need and various community institutions.
What kinds of items were included in the donations?
The donations included food, medication, clothing, toys, hygiene supplies, and essential medical equipment like wheelchairs for children with special needs.
How did Huellas ensure the donations reach those in need?
Huellas insisted on direct distribution of the aid to guarantee it reached the hands of the people who needed it most.