The Cuban regime received a shipment of 100 electric generators donated by the American organization People's Forum NYC, intended to alleviate the energy crisis the island is facing following the passage of hurricanes Rafael and Oscar.
This aid, delivered in three shipments over the past 10 days, will be used to keep hospitals, polyclinics, and other institutions operational in provinces such as Guantánamo, Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana, which have been severely affected by power outages, according to a report from the state-run Televisión Cubana.
"These power generators arrive at a very opportune moment for the recovery of the country's electricity system following the passage of two hurricanes in such a short period of time," said Déborah Rivas Saavedra, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, at the airport.
According to the official, the generators will be allocated "for recovery activities in the most affected areas of the western provinces."
"Its use is immediate and multifaceted, always for basic services for the Cuban population, including food preparation centers, warehouses for distributing products to those affected, emergency wards of hospitals and clinics, and for the vitality of communications," he added.
For his part, Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed the arrival of aid on his social media, where he wrote: “Solidarity also comes from the American people. People’s Forum NYC has donated 100 electric generators in 10 days.”
The ruler, a close friend of the co-executive director of The People's Forum, activist Manolo de los Santos, admitted with his words that the touted "blockade" is more a rhetorical figure of the dictatorship's discourse than a "suffocating policy" of the neighboring country.
The solidarity gesture of the organization aligned with the Cuban totalitarian regime reveals a clear contradiction in the official discourse, which has maintained for decades that the U.S. "blockade" is primarily responsible for the structural and economic failures of the island.
"Cuba expresses its gratitude for this show of support that transcends the barriers of the U.S. blockade. The People’s Forum is a demonstration of solidarity from the people of New York and, by extension, from the people of the United States, confirming that a better relationship with that country is possible," concluded Rivas Saavedra in his speech.
Donations that challenge the argument of the "blockade"
While Cuban authorities incessantly repeat that the U.S. embargo hinders development and is the cause of shortages in key sectors, the constant arrival of humanitarian aid from the United States contradicts this narrative.
In addition to the recent donation of generators, in previous months other U.S. entities and organizations have provided support in the form of food, medical supplies, and generators, demonstrating that, despite the restrictions of the embargo, the solidarity of the American people toward the Cuban population remains evident.
This contrast between the official discourse and reality is also reflected in other international aid efforts. Countries such as Venezuela, Canada, and Norway have contributed supplies and funds to support communities affected by natural disasters.
However, Cuban authorities continue to present the "blockade" as the insurmountable barrier affecting the well-being of the nation.
Internal actions that raise doubts
While the arrival of donations like those from The People's Forum NYC is a reason for gratitude and recognition, the management of aid by the Cuban authorities raises doubts within civil society.
At the beginning of this year, the Cuban State Security confiscated donations intended for children and vulnerable families from independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, highlighting the strict control the government exerts over resources entering the country and raising questions about the transparency in the distribution of aid.
U.S. donations to Cuba reach the highest level in 10 years.
Humanitarian donations made by organizations in the United States to Cuba increased this year compared to last year, reaching the highest level since 2014.
The information was provided in mid-September by the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council (USCTEC), highlighting that the amount reached by July 2024 was already higher than the donations of 2023, and that the statistics did not include donations or personal deliveries (made by travelers on flights and through third countries).
The registered donations included, among other items, food, medical supplies, clothing, and reading materials. So far in 2024, the total amount of these donations has reached over 38 million dollars (US$38,907,503.00).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Arrival of Generators from the United States
Why did the Cuban regime receive electric generators from the United States?
The Cuban regime received 100 electric generators donated by the American organization People’s Forum NYC, aimed at alleviating the energy crisis facing the island after the impact of hurricanes Rafael and Oscar. This aid will be primarily allocated to hospitals, polyclinics, and other institutions in affected provinces such as Guantánamo, Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana.
How does this donation contradict the discourse on the Cuban "blockade"?
The official discourse of the Cuban regime has maintained that the U.S. "blockade" is the primary cause of shortages on the island. However, the arrival of humanitarian aid and donations from the United States, such as electric generators, reveals a contradiction in that narrative. This type of cooperation demonstrates that, despite the embargo, there are possibilities for assistance from the neighboring country.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to the arrival of the generators?
The arrival of electric generators has sparked a wave of critical comments on social media, where many Cubans question the transparency of the distribution of this aid and express skepticism about whether it will truly benefit the needy population. The criticisms also highlight the contradiction of accepting help from the United States while blaming it for internal problems.
What other international assistance has Cuba received recently?
In addition to electric generators from the United States, Cuba has received international assistance from countries such as Mexico, Japan, Russia, and Venezuela, among others. This aid includes donations of food, medical supplies, and energy resources, in response to the devastation caused by recent natural disasters and the widespread crisis on the island.
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