The ARCS coordinator in Havana: “The situation has deteriorated drastically in the space of a month. Thousands of containers carrying essential goods are no longer able to reach Cuba.”

The humanitarian crisis in Cuba is entering a new phase. On top of increasingly frequent power cuts, chronic fuel shortages and the collapse of essential services, there are now the consequences of the latest restrictive measures adopted by the United States, which are making maritime transport to the island increasingly difficult and also hindering the arrival of humanitarian aid.

This is according to Federico Mei, ARCS coordinator in Cuba, who returned to Havana a few days ago.

“In recent days, the National Electricity Grid has already collapsed three times. The situation has deteriorated significantly in the space of a few weeks. Even when the grid manages to function, electricity is available in the capital for just one or two hours a day, whilst in many provinces it is only available every 48 hours.”

The lack of electricity makes it impossible to store food, disrupts hospital operations, limits access to drinking water and brings most economic activity to a standstill. Compounding the energy crisis is a fuel shortage, which is slowing down the distribution of goods, public transport and waste collection, whilst also worsening hygiene and sanitation conditions. According to the ARCS coordinator, the effects of the new restrictions on maritime transport are also becoming increasingly apparent. Thousands of containers bound for Cuba are stranded in ports across the region, many of which contain essential goods and materials for international cooperation.

ARCS is also directly suffering these consequences. The organisation currently has five containers stranded en route to Cuba (two in Jamaica, two in Cancún and one in Panama), whilst others have not yet been able to leave their ports of departure in Italy and China. These consist of equipment and materials intended for the cooperation and aid programmes that the organisation has been running in the country for over twenty years.

“Shops are beginning to run out of basic necessities, and those that are available are now priced at unsustainable levels. Families are living from day to day because, without electricity or fridges, it is impossible to store food. In several neighbourhoods of Havana, the water supply is intermittent, and there are areas that have not had any water for weeks.”

The deterioration in hygiene conditions is also fuelling the spread of epidemics, whilst the healthcare system and public services are struggling to meet the population’s needs.

Despite enormous logistical difficulties, ARCS continues to operate in the country through international cooperation projects focusing on food security, health, the energy transition, sustainable mobility and the strengthening of local communities. In recent years, the organisation has contributed to the distribution of food and medicines, the installation of solar power systems and the support of health and social services, working alongside Cuban institutions and civil society organisations.

“What we are seeing today,” continues Mei, “is a rapid deterioration in living conditions. Every day’s delay in the arrival of essential supplies makes the situation more serious.”

ARCS calls on the Italian Government, European institutions and the international community to ensure that the humanitarian response is not hindered.

“Don’t turn the lights out on Cuba”, concludes Mei.

Press office: Francesco Verdolino 3398129813 francesco.verdolino@hotmail.it