The numbers
Canadians Leanne Isaak and Elise Hjalmarson are currently on a humanitarian mission in Cuba, bringing with them 14 suitcases filled with essential medical supplies and other goods. This effort comes as Cuba grapples with severe power outages, leaving its 11 million residents often without electricity for extended periods.
The situation has worsened significantly following the collapse of Cuba’s electric grid last week, which resulted in an island-wide blackout. Isaak remarked on the dire circumstances, stating, “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 observations highlight the urgency and desperation felt by many Cubans.
The crisis has been compounded by geopolitical factors, particularly the removal of Venezuela’s leader in January, which halted critical petroleum shipments to Cuba. Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, emphasized that the blackouts are not due to inefficiency or mismanagement but rather the result of U.S. sanctions depriving Cuba of necessary fuel.
Canada has historically been a significant player in Cuba’s economy, with the Canadian deputy foreign minister noting that Canada is now Cuba’s largest foreign investor after Spain. However, the Canadian Commercial Corporation has ceased assisting new entries into the Cuban market due to rising financial risks, leaving many Canadian companies struggling under the weight of U.S. sanctions and the deteriorating economic situation.
Sherritt International, a key player in the Canadian-Cuban relationship, reported a staggering $344 million debt owed by the Cuban government. This financial strain has led to a crisis in Cuban tourism, where hotels are facing shortages of food, electricity, and water. Maria Werlau, an industry expert, described the operating environment as “near collapse,” with hotels suffering from poor service and maintenance.
As Isaak and Hjalmarson continue their mission to distribute medical supplies and food across various locations in Cuba, the humanitarian need remains acute. The mission aims to alleviate some of the suffering experienced by the Cuban people during these challenging times.
Observers are closely watching the evolving situation, as the humanitarian crisis unfolds against a backdrop of economic instability and international sanctions. The future of Canada-Cuba relations may hinge on how both nations navigate these turbulent waters, with many hoping for a resolution that can restore stability and support for the Cuban people. Details remain unconfirmed.