Caritas, the humanitarian organization of the Catholic Church, has begun distributing boxes of aid from the United States in the municipalities of Bejucal and Alquízar near Havana, according to a statement released by the organization on Thursday. The distribution started on Wednesday following the arrival of the shipment earlier in the week. The organization stated that the food and hygiene kits are intended for vulnerable Cuban families.
The initial shipment consisted of 700 packages that departed from Miami on Tuesday, according to the U.S. State Department. Officials indicated the distribution represents the first phase of a $60 million program, with an additional $100 million planned for distribution in the coming months. Each box contains provisions intended to sustain a family for approximately 10 days, Caritas noted. The packages include rice, beans, pasta, sugar, canned fish, cooking oil, and hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary products, along with practical supplies including a solar lamp, water purification tablets, and a bucket.
Distribution activities showed Caritas personnel, identifiable by their organizational logos, verifying recipient identification and consulting lists before handing over supplies. Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade authorities confirmed their presence during the aircraft’s arrival alongside Caritas officials, though specific details regarding their roles were not provided.
The relief effort arrives amid significant geopolitical tensions between the two nations and coincides with an energy crisis on the island. The U.S. State Department official Jeremy Lewin noted that the partnership builds on a previous program that provided $9 million in direct assistance following Hurricane Melissa in the prior year. U.S. officials have previously expressed concerns regarding the aid distribution process, with allegations that the Cuban government may influence the allocation in ways reflecting inefficiency.
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