North Miami-Dade News

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has urged President Biden to cancel the contract between the U.S. Embassy in Havana and MadWoman, a supposed private sector company independent from the Cuban regime. Salazar stated, "Esta Mipyme, MadWoman, es claramente una tapadera del régimen" ("This Mipyme, MadWoman, is clearly a front for the regime"), emphasizing the need for the Embassy to sever ties with a company that fires individuals for criticizing the Cuban dictatorship.

During a hearing on January 18, 2024, organized by the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congresswoman Salazar exposed the Cuban regime's latest propaganda tool. She questioned the validity of claims suggesting the existence of a growing independent private sector in Cuba. Salazar highlighted the oppressive nature of the Cuban government, stating, "No hace falta decir que el régimen cubano es totalitario en todos los sentidos" ("It goes without saying that the Cuban regime is totalitarian in every way").

Salazar's efforts to hold the Embassy accountable for its dealings with MadWoman come in the wake of increasing scrutiny over the alleged emergence of new Cuban entrepreneurs. The congresswoman's actions serve as a reminder that the Cuban people face ongoing repression and censorship under the regime, as demonstrated by the case of MadWoman.

The request to President Biden to terminate the contract with MadWoman underscores the importance of upholding principles of freedom of expression and supporting those who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes.