Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin and Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Senior Advisor Viviana Bovo joined Catholic Relief Services in Miami, Florida, on July 21 to send off the first flight of humanitarian relief under Secretary Rubio’s commitment of $100 million in humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people.
The initiative aims to support Cubans who are facing challenges resulting from what officials described as the Communist regime’s kleptocracy, brutality, and economic incompetence. The shipment includes pre-packaged food and hygiene kits intended for up to 700 Cuban families. Delivery will be managed by Catholic Relief Services in partnership with the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba.
According to the announcement, this partnership builds upon a previous program conducted last year with Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Cuba that delivered $9 million in direct support following Hurricane Melissa. The current effort continues a model where local parish representatives distribute aid directly on the island.
Officials said this approach is designed to ensure that U.S. assistance reaches everyday Cubans without interference or diversion by government authorities. “Building on the success of the previous program, the direct delivery of humanitarian commodities by local parish representatives in the island will ensure critical U.S. assistance reaches everyday Cubans in need, without any opportunity for regime diversion or theft,” according to organizers.
The Department’s collaboration with religious organizations is part of ongoing efforts related to alliances, partnerships, bilateral relations with Cuba, and broader humanitarian diplomacy.