Q & A

• What percent of the assistance sent by GAD goes through Cuban official channels?

A: None. All the assistance is received and distributed by Cuban non-governmental organizations such as independent human rights groups, fraternal and religious organizations, independent professional associations, and independent labor unions.

• How do you identify the organizations or individuals receiving your assistance?

A: Through a series of pre-established rules:

1.   They must be totally independent from the Cuban government.

2.      They must promote democratic values, human rights, and a free market economy.

3.      Promote labor rights.

4.      Provide humanitarian aid to political prisoners and their families.

5.      Practice independent journalism.

6.   Work on alternate political, economic, and social policies.

·        Why doesn’t GAD participate more in exile activities? Why are you so secretive about your work?

A: Our policy has been to work to be effective, not to work for effect. We see no reason why we should announce our plans or tell the Cuban government how we operate. Let them find out by themselves.

·        Is GAD against or for the U.S. embargo?

A: There are two embargoes: the embargo placed by the U.S. against the Cuban government and the embargo placed by the Cuban government against the Cuban people. The first one is basically a problem between the two governments and it is not,  in our view, the root of the problems faced by he Cuban people. The one we are really concerned with is the embargo placed by the Cuban government against the rights of the Cuban people.

·        Does GAD have a secret agenda?

A: No. Our agenda is very simple: We want to be participants and help with any future changes that bring democracy, respect for human rights, and administyrative honesty to Cuba.  We oppose caudillismo and dishonesty.

·        Do you discriminate anyone because of political or religious reasons?

Our organization has been always open to different kinds of political, religious, and fraternal groups. We will not accept anyone promoting communism, fascism, or any other political or religious doctrine that does not promote democracy and respect for human rights.

·        Is GAD controlled by the U.S. or any other government?

A: Although we receive funds from the U.S. government, we are a non-governmental organization, and as such, will accept donations from other democratic governments, from independent foundations, or individuals who share our views that Cubans deserve better than they have at present under Castro’s dictatorship.

·        Is GAD promoting anyone as leader of a future government in Cuba?

A: The answer is a definite “no”.  We believe in supporting ideas, not caudillos. We are happy to work at the  grassroots level and will continue to do so.

·        Is GAD a business? How many members of the Board of Directors receive a salary from the corporation?

A: The only director receiving a salary is the executive director. He worked as a volunteer since 1994 until December 2002, while working as a teacher for the Miami-Dade Public Schools system. The Board asked him to obtain a one-year leave of absence so he could work full time due to the magnitude of the operations. His salary is comparable to the salary he was earning from the Miami-Dade Public Schools System.

We do have have a minimum number of employees necessary to obtain the results we have been able to obtain.
 

• How do you respond to the critics who say that the assistance GAD sends can be detrimental to the safety of the people in Cuba?

A: That kind of question normally comes from those simpathetic to Castro. It is really odd that they never question Castro’s assistance to almost every terrorist movement in the world. Communists and terrorists help each other out, so why should we let the democratic activists to fend by themselves? No one in Cuba has been forced to accept our help, and none of the materials we send can be construed as illegal under international laws. The Cuban government uses our assistance as an excuse for their repression against anyone who refuses to toe the line established by the regime.