Oswaldo Payá

Many have opened their hearts to the suffering of the people of Cuba and other Caribbean nations. We believe that those hearts can open up even more for all of those who have now lost everything. As Cubans living on the island and abroad, our hearts go out to each of the victims. In the face of this tragedy, our national feeling reflects the solidarity and cooperation of a united people, a single family.

Many countries, non-governmental organizations, churches and global citizens have offered their support to the people of Cuba . We gladly welcome any aid given without any conditions other than that it reach those in need. We believe that not only the Cuban government but also churches, organizations and citizens are open to committing to make this happen.

For the sake of the victims, we have asked that no aid be offered conditionally. We also call on the Cuban government not to be selective in accepting foreign assistance. Any help that is offered unconditionally should be welcomed with the same dignity and gratitude that other countries, regardless of their political orientation, have shown when it has been our turn to help. It is time to give the people and institutions of Cuba an opportunity to cooperate in channeling humanitarian aid. Cubans have the need and the right both to offer and receive gestures of solidarity.

The team of Spiritual Guides for the Cuban Community (Guías Espirituales de la comunidad cubana) residing abroad is developing a relief plan for the displaced people of Cuba . Their sole intention is to help those in need. Although the aid may come from various different countries, it would be Cubans helping other Cubans. We call on the government of the United States , where most Cuban live abroad, of all other countries where Cubans have found a home, and on the Cuban government to facilitate the flow of aid for both ethical and humanitarian reasons. This aid can reach the victims through organizations, churches, and citizens willing to work on the island or abroad.

Cubans are facing serious and urgent needs. We must receive with dignity all kinds of aid and assistance we are offered, however modest. Aid from powerful states and big organizations alone will not be enough to solve Cuba ’s dramatic problems.

EPA/ALEJANDRO ERNESTO

No one should attempt to exclude the Cuban government as the principal organizer and distributor of aid, because it has not only the capacity but also, we believe, the willingness and responsibility to do so. However, these functions do not pertain only to the Cuban government and its related organizations; the Cuban government has the responsibility to allow and facilitate the efforts of other institutions, groups and citizens to receive donations to give to and to help those in need.

Our fellow Caribbean nations, especially our beloved Haiti , have also suffered from this calamity. Thus, our call for help and solidarity is not exclusively for the people of Cuba , but as much for those who share our suffering.

It is time for all of us as Cubans to renew our sense of brotherhood, amongst ourselves and with all others who are facing difficulties. It is time to act together in solidarity. Let us not only share our suffering, but let us share our hopes for the good of the people of Cuba and the Caribbean .

Movimiento Cristiano Liberación

Oswaldo J. Paya Sardinas

Francisco de Armas

Carlos A. Paya

Carlos Rafel J. Jiménez

Adam Mascaro Paya