Energy Crisis: Cuban Government Cries Out Against Continued US Blockade

By Chinedu Echianu

The Cuban Government has lamented the current energy crisis in the country occasioned by what it described as the continued blockade of its economy by the United States, making it difficult for it to import fuel and other equipment necessary to run the power grid.

With Hurricane Oscar causing huge damage to the island nation, the government has once again cried out to the world to come to its aid especially in compelling the United States government to lift the decades of blockade imposed on the peace loving people of Cuba.

According to a statement made available to Democracy Radio by the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero: “…since last Friday, October 18, Cuba is going through a complex national electro-energy situation. Its main cause: the intensification of the North American economic war and financial persecution, making it difficult to import fuel and other essential resources for that industry.

“Since the very beginning of the contingency, not without setbacks, intense work has been done for its restoration, which is progressing gradually and in two fundamental directions: the stabilization of the system and the efforts to achieve fuel supplies that allow a better situation during the coming weeks.

“The evolution of this entire process is given special monitoring through the official leading accounts, in particular, that of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy and Mines, as well as the Presidency of the Republic, the Government, the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Electrical Union of Cuba, belonging to the latter. The country is experiencing an exceptional situation, marked by two fundamental and complex events: the energy emergency mentioned above and the possible damage caused by Hurricane “Oscar” to the eastern Cuban provinces, which will be quantified as soon as possible.

“Cuba, however, remains calm and fully governable. In the Cuban energy sector, the blockade has a very negative impact. One of the most reprehensible actions, due to its nature that violates International Law and its cruelty, is the impediment of the transfer of fuel to Cuba starting in 2019. That year alone, 53 vessels and 27 companies were penalized by the government of the United States of America. It responds directly to efforts to threaten, coerce, instil fear and sanction anyone involved in the supply of fuel to the country, from shipping companies, to insurers, reinsurers, banks, individuals and governments. The damage is extensive.The economic blockade has also exacerbated the financial limitations and access to credit to repair the country’s thermoelectric plants, acquire the necessary technologies and the fuel required to guarantee a stable electricity supply to the population and the strategic sectors of the national economy. As a result, constant interruptions have had to be applied to the electrical service that generate stress, emotional exhaustion, anguish in the population, put in check the refrigeration and cooking system in homes, while having a transversal impact on productivity and preventing functioning of the country.

“In recent years, the Cuban government has systematically worked to achieve energy stability in very complex conditions, with the availability of generating plants limited by the lack of fuel, spare parts and other essential resources for their repair and maintenance. The few suppliers that have decided to continue supplying these products to Cuba have considerably increased prices based on country risk.

“At the same time, the US government has continued its intimidation and persecution measures against supplier companies and those engaged in international fuel transportation.

The ban on regular bilateral trade and the import of goods containing more than 10% US components from third countries has not been modified. The prohibition on the use of the US dollar in international transactions in Cuba remains in force.

“This situation is aggravated by Cuba’s continued presence on the State Department’s unilateral and illegitimate list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism. This is a dishonest and politically motivated measure, but it has an undeniable economic connotation. Since the approval, 62 years ago, of Executive Order 3447 that formalized the blockade against Cuba, the objective has been the same: to generate a situation of shortages and desperation.

“On October 29 and 30, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will consider and take action, for the thirty-second time, on the draft resolution entitled “Need to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” In their efforts in this regard, Cubans have traditionally had the support of the vast majority of the international community, including that of Ireland.

“Today, Cuba also expresses its gratitude to those who, a few hours after this difficult national electro-energy situation began, have reacted by offering their assistance to the Cuban government and people. The criminal blockade of its noble people must end now.” the statement concludes.