In an unprecedented move, a U.S.-based communist organization has sent 800 tons of flour to Cuba amidst a severe food crisis.
At a Glance
- The campaign “Let Cuba Live: Bread for our Neighbors” delivered 800 tons of flour to Cuba.
- The initiative aims to mitigate the effects of U.S. sanctions and the blockade against Cuba.
- The People’s Forum organized the campaign, raising donations from over 1,300 people.
- The Biden administration has the power to end the crisis by removing Cuba from the “State Sponsors of Terrorism List”.
Humanitarian Aid: Flour Shipment to Cuba
A U.S. communist group has dispatched an unprecedented shipment of 800 tons of flour to Cuba to alleviate the current food crisis. This effort is spearheaded by The People’s Forum and is part of the “Let Cuba Live: Bread for our Neighbors” campaign. The campaign secured hundreds of thousands of dollars from over 1,300 donations to fund the shipment.
The delivery is a response to the dire food shortages in Cuba, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the economic blockade. Although the U.S. State Department asserts that its blockade exempts food and humanitarian goods, practical trade barriers still persist. These barriers often hinder Cuba’s ability to import essential goods, leading to widespread shortages.
The People’s Forum faced significant difficulties while organizing the campaign. Sourcing flour from U.S. grain producers proved problematic due to the existing trade barriers, forcing the organization to import the flour from Turkey instead. Manolo De Los Santos, Executive Director of The People’s Forum, emphasized the campaign’s mission to combat hunger induced by U.S. policies.
Challenges in U.S.-Cuba Trade Relations
The current U.S. legislation requires advance cash payments in U.S. dollars, complicating agricultural trade with Cuba. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack noted the significant impediment this legislation places on trade. Despite official claims, the economic blockade creates considerable obstacles for Cuba, intended to instigate hunger and desperation among its people.
“There’s a significant impediment to trade in Cuba because of [US] legislation that requires payment in advance in cash in US dollars,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
Additionally, Cuba imports significantly less food from the U.S. compared to other nations with similar population sizes. The import limitations and practical barriers result in severe food crises and economic hardships for Cuba. This shortage has led Cuba to seek assistance from the UN’s World Food Program for the first time, requesting powdered milk for children.
Broader Implications and Call to Action
The People’s Forum denounces the U.S. policies that exacerbate Cuba’s food crisis and encourages global support to combat the detrimental effects of the economic blockade. The campaign emphasizes the possibility of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian issues, reaffirming their commitment to aiding nations in crisis.
“The concept of the campaign is simple: Cuba is our neighbor, and we can’t let our neighbors go hungry,” said Manolo De Los Santos, Executive Director of The People’s Forum. “This hunger is imposed directly by the White House, and Biden could end it right away by allowing Cuba to trade freely.”
Despite logistical challenges and delays caused by U.S. government policies, the 800 tons of flour have provided much-needed relief to Cubans. The shipment is expected to supply bread to millions in provinces including Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and Havana.
Conclusion
This monumental effort by U.S.-based activists highlights the ongoing struggle against the effects of the U.S. blockade on Cuba. As the economic crisis continues, campaigns like “Let Cuba Live: Bread for our Neighbors” provide crucial support, demonstrating the power of solidarity in times of need. The Biden administration has the authority to mitigate this crisis by amending current policies and lifting trade barriers.
“Fearful of being accused of abetting terror and the mammoth fines that an infraction entails, most banks refuse to process Cuban payments and have frozen funds for permitted religious and humanitarian activities, requiring additional licensing.”
With continued support, there is hope for ending the unnecessary suffering of the Cuban people and fostering a future of mutual cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Sources
- U.S. solidarity campaign sends 800 tons of flour to Cuba
- Thousands of people in US send 800 tons of urgently needed flour to Cuba