WASHINGTON, DC – LIFE in Cuba continues to grow increasingly difficult, as a worsening fuel shortage tightens its grip across the Spanish-speaking nation.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the crisis is deepening the hchallenges of daily life, curtailing essential services.
Cuba’s electrical grid suffered repeated collapses in recent weeks with rolling blackouts, underscoring the scale of the situation.
While electricity is slowly being restored in some areas, United Nations officials say the ongoing instability highlights the deep impact the energy crisis is having on ordinary Cubans and their ability to access basic services.
“Our colleagues also tell us that uncollected garbage is piling up on street corners in Havana, with the air quality having deteriorated due to widespread burning of waste and wood for cooking. Authorities report that due to the lack of energy, more than 50,000 surgeries were not performed in February alone,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
The United Nations, along with its partners, continues to provide assistance. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is supporting the delivery of medical supplies, though fuel shortages are severely limiting the reach and effectiveness of these efforts.
“Dozens of containers carrying humanitarian supplies are currently at the port in Havana, with additional shipments expected in the coming days. However, the scarcity of fuel is slowing down and driving up the cost of delivering aid to people who need it,” Haq added.
The UN has since called on member states to increase humanitarian contributions and ensure that aid deliveries remain uninterrupted.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister and Chairman of CARICOM, Dr. Terrance Drew, has confirmed that regional assistance is being mobilised for Cuba, with shipments expected to move through Mexico.
The decision to send aid to Havana was taken during the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Basseterre, where regional leaders agreed on a humanitarian response to the crisis.
“We have now, working with the Mexicans, we have put the framework in place. And Saint Kitts and the others, I can speak to St. Kitts specifically. Everybody would do it. CARICOM would do it.”
Dr. Drew added that shipments from St. Kitts and Nevis are expected to begin within the next two weeks.
