Cuban-American activist Carlos Lazo has addressed the backlash demanding a clearer stance on the Cuban regime. In a comprehensive social media post, Lazo reflected on how, since his youth in 1980s Cuba, he has been pressured to "define" himself—a demand that he believes has only served to divide Cuban society.
"Get out!", "Disgusting!", "Leave!", "Die!", "Traitor", "Define yourself," Lazo wrote, quoting the phrases hurled at him both online and in person. "This demand haunts and terrifies me. It's a recurring nightmare. I didn't 'define' myself until later," he confessed.
The controversy surrounding Lazo has escalated recently following his claims that Cuban authorities have obstructed the delivery of medical supplies and powdered milk to pediatric hospitals through his organization, Puentes de Amor. He stated that the Cuban government allegedly barred several health institutions from receiving aid managed by his team, causing discontent among his supporters.
"We have tried to resolve this issue at various levels, with institutions and officials. The responses are evasive," noted Lazo, visibly frustrated with the lack of official clarity.
In response to his statements, Yilian Jiménez Expósito, an official from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), denied that Lazo and his group had been prohibited from accessing hospitals, although she acknowledged that access had sometimes been denied due to a lack of prior coordination.
Facing criticism due to this controversy, Lazo reiterated his opposition to extremism, recalling that throughout his life, he has been labeled both a "worm" and a "communist." According to him, it was during the Iraq War in 2004 that he finally found his true definition: "There I defined myself. In that moment. While embracing that father, grandfather, brother, neighbor. So stop asking me to define myself. I already did! I'm on the side of Cuban children."
His stance has elicited mixed reactions. While some accuse him of dodging a direct condemnation of the Cuban regime, others, like singer Israel Rojas, have defended him, calling it "profoundly unfair" to suggest that Lazo is lying about the challenges he faces in his humanitarian work.
Despite the criticisms and obstacles, Lazo is determined to continue his mission of aiding Cubans and fostering reconciliation between those on the island and the diaspora. "Neither regulations, misunderstandings, nor setbacks will stop us from pushing this work forward. This is a work of love. Love is everlasting," he concluded.
Questions About Carlos Lazo's Activism and Challenges
What challenges has Carlos Lazo faced in his humanitarian efforts in Cuba?
Carlos Lazo has reported that Cuban authorities have obstructed the delivery of medical supplies and powdered milk to pediatric hospitals, creating challenges in his humanitarian efforts.
How has Carlos Lazo responded to demands for a clear stance on the Cuban regime?
Lazo has expressed that he feels pressured by demands to define his position on the Cuban regime, recalling similar pressures he faced in his youth. He insists he is on the side of Cuban children.