Cuba's Struggle: The Humanitarian Impact of the U.S. Blockade

• An international solidarity mission is visiting Cuba to deliver aid, including solar panels and medical supplies, while calling for an end to the long-standing U.S. blockade.
• The U.S. is accused of engaging in psychological warfare to portray Cuba as a "failed state," resulting in severe humanitarian consequences including power outages, medical crises, and supply chain disruptions.

Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba

• U.S.-led sanctions have been linked to an increase in the infant mortality rate from 4% to 9.9% per 1,000 births.
• Electrical grid failures have halted essential surgeries, leaving over 100,000 people on waiting lists for medical procedures.
• Approximately four million people have faced extended periods without electricity, severely impacting food preservation, sanitation, and communication.
• The U.S. is reportedly blocking shipments of medical and essential goods, including vessels stranded in ports like Panama and Jamaica.

Governmental Response and International Responsibility

• The Cuban government has implemented 176 urgent measures, including economic reforms like the privatization of land, to address the crisis and promote development.
• Abel Prieto, president of the Association of Writers and Artists of Cuba, characterizes U.S. policies as a form of psychological warfare intended to destabilize the country and divide its population.
• The EU is urged to invoke the "Blocking Statute" to neutralize the U.S. Helms-Burton Act, which pressures European companies and hampers investment in Cuba.
• Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Cuban people remains significant, supported by international solidarity efforts and historical cultural ties, such as the local Galician community.