SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE: GAESA ELITE, NOT AMERICA, IS THE CAUSE OF YOUR SUFFERING
Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a direct message to the Cuban people on the anniversary of Cuba’s independence.
“On a day like today in 1902 the Cuban flag waved for the first time over an independent country,” Rubio said. “But I know that you who call Cuba your home are going through unimaginable difficulties.”
He laid out the truth about the blackouts: “The reason you are forced to survive 22 hours a day without electricity is not due to a petroleum blockade by the United States. As you know better than anyone, you have been suffering blackouts for years. The real reason is because those who control your country have looted thousands of millions.”
Rubio explained the regime’s control structure: “Thirty years ago Raúl Castro founded a company called GAESA. This company is owned by the armed forces and operated by them. And it has revenues three times higher than the budget of your current government.”
“Today while you suffer these companies have 18 billion in assets. It controls 70% of the economy in Cuba,” he continued. “They profit from hotels, construction, stores, even from the money your family members send from the United States. Everything passes through their hands.”
He detailed the elite’s priorities: “Instead of using the money to buy petroleum like all other countries in the world… they buy fuel for their vehicles while the people are asked to sacrifice. Instead of using the money to maintain and modernize the damaged power plants, they use the money to build more hotels for foreigners and to send their family members to live in luxury in Madrid and even here in the United States.”
“Today Cuba is not controlled by any revolution. Cuba is controlled by GAESA, a state within the state,” Rubio stated. “It does not answer to anyone and hoards the profits of its businesses for the benefit of a small elite.”
On Trump’s offer: “President Trump offers a new relationship between the United States and Cuba. But it must be directly with you, the Cuban people, not with GAESA.”.
He announced immediate aid: “First we are offering 100 million in food and medicine for you, the people. But it has to be distributed directly to the Cuban people by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable groups, not stolen by GAESA to sell in their stores.”
Rubio outlined the vision for a free Cuba: “A new Cuba where you, the everyday Cubans, not just GAESA, can own a gas station or a clothing store or a restaurant… can open a bank, have a construction company… can own the television station or the newspaper… can complain about the system without fear of going to jail or being forced to leave your island… and have the real opportunity to choose who governs your country and vote to replace them if they are not doing a good job.”
He closed: “In the United States we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people and our countries. And currently the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control your country.”