Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are stepping up efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba as the island faces worsening shortages of fuel, food and other essential supplies.
CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew said the regional bloc remains committed to fulfilling pledges to assist Cuba, with humanitarian shipments being coordinated through the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana. The initiative follows a decision by CARICOM heads of government at their February meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis to respond to the island’s growing humanitarian needs.
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The planned assistance includes powdered milk and baby formula, beans, wheat flour, rice, canned goods, basic medical supplies, solar panels, batteries and water tanks. CARICOM said the supplies are being purchased on behalf of member states and shipped to Cuba as part of the coordinated regional response.
Drew said St. Kitts and Nevis has pledged US$500,000 toward the effort, with an initial US$100,000 already deposited with the CARICOM Secretariat and additional installments expected over the following months. He emphasized the longstanding relationship between Cuba and the Caribbean, noting Cuba’s support for the region through medical assistance, education and disaster response.
Mexico is also supporting the initiative, identifying suppliers capable of providing the requested goods and agreeing to facilitate their shipment to Cuba at no cost from Mexico to the island. CARICOM’s February communiqué said the Community was prepared to assist the Cuban people while maintaining regional stability.
The assistance comes as CARICOM has expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba and its potential consequences for the wider Caribbean. In May, the Community’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations reiterated concern about measures affecting Cuba and said the hardships were also affecting CARICOM nationals studying and living on the island.
CARICOM leaders have since reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated humanitarian support for Cuba, underscoring the region’s longstanding ties with the island and the need to address the immediate needs of its people.
