A total of 125 tons of powdered milk from Barbados were donated to Cuba to support the nutrition of children under six years old in the eastern provinces of the country.
The most recent shipment, totaling 75 tons, arrived on Friday and adds to previous deliveries that began in October 2024.
"This delivery adds to the donations made since October, bringing the total to 125 tons distributed across the eastern provinces of the country affected by weather events," a report broadcast by state television specified.
The donation was formally received at a ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL), with the participation of First Deputy Minister Javier Aguiar Rodríguez, the Ambassador of Barbados to Cuba, Sharon Milagro Marschall, and members of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX).
In the ceremony, Aguiar expressed gratitude on behalf of the Cuban government and people for the solidarity gesture of the Barbadian government, highlighting its value both materially and symbolically.
"This donation directly contributes to the feeding of our children in vulnerable areas of eastern Cuba, affected by recent meteorological phenomena," he noted.
He also recalled that Barbados was one of the first countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1972, amidst the economic embargo from the United States.
According to MINAL, the proposal to allocate milk for children between zero and six years old was approved by the ministries of Economy and Domestic Trade.
The goal is to mitigate the effects of shortages that are particularly hard-hitting in the eastern regions of the country.
For her part, Ambassador Marschall stated that the delivery is a "tangible demonstration of the support of the people and government of Barbados for the Cuban people," whom she described as victims of "external pressures" for more than six decades.
"We trust that this small gesture will have a positive impact and help to alleviate difficulties for vulnerable individuals," added the diplomat.
Cuba is going through a deep economic crisis that has worsened in recent years, characterized by a chronic shortage of food, medicine, and fuel, persistent inflation, and increasingly long daily blackouts.
In February of last year, the Cuban government requested official assistance from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) for the first time due to the inability to ensure the delivery of milk to children under seven years old.
The donation from Barbados is received as a partial relief amid this complex situation, especially in areas of eastern Cuba where social vulnerability has intensified.
Frequently Asked Questions about Powdered Milk Donation to Cuba from Barbados
How many tons of powdered milk have been donated to Cuba by Barbados?
A total of 125 tons of powdered milk have been donated to Cuba by Barbados to support the nutrition of children under six years old in the eastern provinces of the country. This figure includes a recent shipment of 75 tons that arrived in July 2025.
What is the main objective of the powdered milk donation from Barbados to Cuba?
The main objective of the donation is to support the nutrition of children under six years old in the eastern provinces of Cuba, especially in those affected by recent weather events. Additionally, it aims to mitigate the effects of the shortages impacting these regions.
How is donated powdered milk distributed in Cuba?
The powdered milk donated by Barbados is distributed in the eastern provinces of Cuba, focusing on children aged zero to six years. This decision was approved by the ministries of Economy and Internal Trade, aiming to address the food shortages that particularly affect these areas.
What challenges does Cuba face regarding powdered milk and other basic goods?
Cuba is facing a serious shortage of basic products, including powdered milk. The causes include an economic crisis intensified by shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, persistent inflation, and prolonged blackouts. The partial dollarization of the economy has exacerbated inequalities in access to essential products.
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