Press Release

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Announcement of a Fourth Offer to Cuba for Humanitarian Assistance

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement regarding the United States' fourth offer to send humanitarian aid to Cuba:

"On Friday, September 19, 2008, the United States extended its fourth offer of aid to the Cuban people who continue to suffer from the destruction of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Our most recent offer was in direct response to the Cuban government's plea for construction materials. In addition to our previous offers, USAID is prepared to deliver, via air and sea, building supplies and shelter kits that could provide temporary and permanent housing that will help 48,000 Cubans.

"In the three weeks since Hurricane Gustav hit western Cuba, concern for the well-being of the Cuban people has been growing and getting aid to them is our top priority. Reports from news agencies and relief organizations that have visited the island indicate that as many as 2.5 million Cubans remain without homes. We understand the difficulties caused by such devastating storms and we want to give the people of Cuba the materials needed to begin to recover. We hope the Cuban government will consider our genuine offers of assistance and that the best interests of the Cuban people will come before political differences. The United States stands ready to provide relief to the Cuban people."

The latest aid package includes aircraft filled with 8,000 Family Emergency Shelter and Emergency Household Kits, followed by a shipment of supplementary material to include: zinc roofing and lumber for residential repair to complement the 8,000 Family Emergency Shelter Kits.

Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission formed to explore ways the United States can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba.