Canadians Leanne Isaak and Elise Hjalmarson are currently on a humanitarian mission in Cuba, where they have brought 14 suitcases filled with vital medical supplies and other goods to distribute among the island’s residents. This mission comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with severe power outages, leaving many of its 11 million residents without electricity for extended periods.
The situation has been exacerbated by a recent collapse of Cuba’s electric grid, resulting in an island-wide blackout. Isaak, reflecting on the dire circumstances, noted, “People say, ‘I may not get power again for three days so I’m going to do everything that I need to do in this one or two-hour time-frame to prepare for the next chunk of time when I’m just going to try to keep going.'” Her words capture the resilience and determination of the Cuban people amidst growing frustration and uncertainty.
The numbers
The humanitarian mission aims to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the ongoing crisis. The Cuban government is facing significant challenges, including a staggering debt of $344 million owed to Sherritt International, a key player in the Canadian investment landscape. This debt underscores the financial strain on Cuba, which has been described as ‘technically bankrupt’ since the 1980s.
As Cuba’s economy continues to falter, the Canadian Commercial Corporation has ceased assisting new entries into the Cuban market due to rising financial risks. This decision reflects the broader challenges faced by many Canadian companies operating in Cuba, which have struggled against the backdrop of U.S. sanctions and the deteriorating economic situation.
In addition to the energy crisis, Cuba’s tourism sector is in turmoil, with hotels reporting shortages of food, electricity, and water. Maria Werlau, a tourism expert, stated, “The operating environment is near collapse. In the hotels, there’s shortages of food, there’s no electricity, no water, poor service, poor maintenance.” This crisis not only affects tourists but also the livelihoods of many Cubans who depend on the tourism industry.
Historically, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuela for fuel, and the recent political changes in Venezuela have further complicated the energy crisis. The removal of Venezuela’s leader in January halted critical petroleum shipments to Cuba, leaving the island in a precarious position. Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, emphasized that the blackouts are not due to inefficiency or mismanagement but are a direct result of the U.S. depriving Cuba of fuel.
As the humanitarian mission unfolds, observers are closely watching how these efforts will impact the relationship between Canada and Cuba. With Canada being Cuba’s largest foreign investor after Spain, the stakes are high for both nations. The ongoing crisis has prompted calls for renewed dialogue and cooperation, as both countries navigate these challenging waters together.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of this humanitarian mission and its potential to foster deeper ties between Canada and Cuba. However, the immediate need for support and solidarity is clear as the island grapples with its ongoing challenges.
