A humanitarian aid ship arrived in Havana this Tuesday (24) loaded with solar panels, bicycles, food and medicine, amid the worsening economic and energy crises in Cuba. The island faces blackouts, a collapsing power grid and an energy blockade from the United States.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, who disembarked from the ship named “Granma 2.0”, in reference to the boat that took Fidel Castro back to Cuba in 1956, criticized what he called “economic war” and said that the vessels are “a drop in an ocean of need”, although they represent a gesture of solidarity.
The “Our America Convoy to Cuba” flotilla has more than 650 participants from 33 countries, who arrived on the island over the weekend and were received by President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
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The energy embargo imposed by President Donald Trump at the end of January, to press for a change in the Cuban political model, deepened a crisis that has lasted five years, since the pandemic and previous sanctions.
Cuba is facing a lack of transport, reduced working hours, flight cancellations and, most importantly, blackouts – including two power cuts across the entire island in recent days.
Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they were prepared to “take over” the island. Authorities from both countries acknowledged conversations, without detailing terms. Vice Minister Argelio Abad Vigo stated that Cuba has not received diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, aviation kerosene and natural gas for three months. The country produces only 40% of the fuel it needs.
Mexico, China, Brazil, Italy and US NGOs also sent aid. Source: Associated Press.
*Content translated with the help of Artificial Intelligence, reviewed and edited by the Editorial Team BroadcastGrupo Estado’s real-time news system.
