Renowned Cuban exile leader Ramón Saúl Sánchez has accused the Trump administration of placing economic interests above Cuba's freedom. This criticism follows Washington's approval of fuel shipments to the nickel and cobalt mines operated by Canada's Sherritt International in Moa, Holguín.
"I warned you, and here it is, sadly. Another deception for the naive and another game with our pain," Sánchez posted on Facebook, questioning Washington's decision. As the president of the Democracy Movement, he expressed concerns that hopes for political change in Cuba are being exploited for business gains.
He argued, "The whole show of engaging with Cuba's dictatorship 'to take it like Venezuela' was about seizing 'technology,' meaning the mines for business, just as they did with Venezuelan oil."
The criticism is directed at a specific license granted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Treasury Department. This license allows Sherritt to purchase, transport, and deliver fuel, oil, and sulfur to its mining facilities in Cuba.
Gillon Capital's Involvement with a Former Trump Official
Sánchez strongly criticized the involvement of Gillon Capital LLC, an investment firm linked to Texan businessman Ray Washburne, who led the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) during Trump's first term.
"It's as clear as day: an American magnate close to Trump is involved in the process," the activist wrote. Since May, Gillon Capital has been negotiating a deal to potentially control 55% of Sherritt's common shares. The Canadian mining company confirmed it prepared and submitted the license applications to OFAC in close coordination with the U.S. firm.
However, the current permit does not yet authorize the resumption of nickel and cobalt production in Moa. Sherritt requires a secondary emergency license to restart operations and aims to arrange the first fuel shipment by 2026.
Previous Criticism of Economic Engagements with Cuba
Sánchez's criticisms have a historical precedent. Back in March, he had already expressed doubts about potential economic ties between Washington and Havana, fearing they lacked assurances of political transition.
"Are they now going to tell us that because corporations buy or extract nickel or cobalt from Cuba, we will become free?" he previously questioned. He warned that any economic agreement enabling the Cuban regime's continuity would be "a lifeline to that tyranny" and an insult to those who have long fought for Cuba's freedom.
Insights into U.S.-Cuba Business Relations
What was the specific criticism made by Ramón Saúl Sánchez?
Ramón Saúl Sánchez criticized the Trump administration for prioritizing economic interests over Cuba's freedom, following the U.S. approval of fuel shipments to Canadian-operated mines in Cuba.
Why is the involvement of Gillon Capital significant?
Gillon Capital's involvement is significant because it is linked to Ray Washburne, a businessman with ties to Trump, and the firm is negotiating a controlling stake in Sherritt, the Canadian mining company operating in Cuba.
What are the implications of the OFAC license for Sherritt International?
The OFAC license allows Sherritt International to manage fuel and resource deliveries to its Cuban operations, but it does not yet permit the resumption of nickel and cobalt production, pending a secondary license.