The Cuban-American activist Carlos Lazo, known for leading the "Puentes de Amor" project, has accused Cuban authorities of imposing barriers on the direct delivery of medical supplies and powdered milk to the island's pediatric hospitals. In a statement on social media, Lazo claimed that the regime is hindering the humanitarian work his organization has been dedicated to for years, aimed at benefiting the Cuban populace.
"Puentes de Amor can no longer visit Cuban pediatric hospitals," Lazo stated. This problem has persisted for months, yet the activists continue to be "engaged in the task of bringing donations to Cuba," despite a "mysterious regulation" that forbids them from visiting medical facilities.
Lazo's accusation marks a shift in his narrative, following years of being seen as an ally to the Cuban government in its battle against the U.S. embargo. Since founding "Puentes de Amor", Lazo has advocated for lifting economic sanctions and held meetings with government officials in Havana, including an audience with Miguel Díaz-Canel in 2021. Nevertheless, the current prohibition on hospital access seems to have strained that relationship.
"When we visited the hospitals, besides documenting the deliveries, we were able to witness firsthand the hardships caused by the blockade. (...) Apparently, extremism, suspicion, and silencing against us are not just a Miami phenomenon. In Cuba, there are also things that discourage and offend those fighting for the Cuban family," the activist remarked.
A Shift from Government Ally to Critic
Lazo's evolution as a public figure is complex. In 2022, his outspoken support for lifting the embargo, his trips to Cuba, and his meetings with the Cuban government drew harsh criticism from the exile community in Miami. The Cuban community in Florida launched a campaign on Change.org that gathered over 10,000 signatures to declare him "persona non grata," accusing him of being a regime supporter.
Marco Rubio, then a Republican senator from Florida, called for an FBI investigation into the possible connections between "Puentes de Amor" and the Cuban government, arguing they acted as "unregistered foreign agents."
Lazo has consistently denied these accusations, maintaining that his loyalty is solely to the Cuban family, not any political agenda. Nevertheless, the recent hospital access ban appears to have altered his outlook.
"It's unjust for honorable Cuban emigrants to sacrifice so much only to be treated in this manner. It's not right for those activists who face threats, insults, and dangers in Miami to arrive in Cuba and be treated like outcasts. Neither there nor here can I remain indifferent when the efforts of men and women who give so much for their people and the Cuban family are ignored and silenced," Lazo lamented.
Rift with Havana: Are "Puentes de Amor" Crumbling?
Lazo alleges that, in addition to preventing him from delivering donations directly, Cuban authorities have instructed friends and institutions on the island not to cooperate with his project.
"We've tried to resolve this issue at various levels, with institutions and officials. The responses are evasive. The institutions and bureaucrats we've approached to clarify the matter express that 'nothing is wrong', but the slights, discourtesies, and even verbal mistreatment our activists have received show otherwise," he explained.
While Lazo continues to oppose the embargo and advocate for normalizing relations between Cuba and the United States, his current focus is on the "internal blockade" of the Cuban regime.
"Neither regulations, misunderstandings, nor setbacks will stop us from continuing this work. This is a work of love. Love is eternal. The Cuban family will prevail!" he concluded in his statement.
This shift in Lazo's narrative makes it clear that his criticism targets both U.S. sanctions and the obstacles imposed by Miguel Díaz-Canel's government. The activist now finds himself in a seemingly neutral position, an uncomfortable figure for both ends of the Cuban political spectrum.
Understanding Carlos Lazo's Critique of Cuban Policies
What accusations has Carlos Lazo made against the Cuban regime?
Carlos Lazo has accused the Cuban regime of blocking the direct delivery of medical supplies and powdered milk to pediatric hospitals on the island.
How has Lazo's stance towards the Cuban government changed?
Lazo's stance has shifted from being perceived as an ally of the Cuban government to criticizing it for obstructing humanitarian efforts, marking a significant change in his narrative.
How has the Cuban-American community reacted to Lazo's actions?
The Cuban-American community in Florida has strongly criticized Lazo's actions, even launching a campaign to declare him "persona non grata" due to his perceived support for the Cuban regime.