What’s Going On In Cuba?

Current EventsHuman Rights
Written By Keara Field

For the past 62 years, citizens of Cuba have been living under a totalitarian regime. Recently, the world has seen citizens begin to protest against it and call for an end. Cuban residents have struggled to afford items such as chicken, bread, rice, medicine, and other basic necessities. The country was already in an economic crisis, but it has gotten worse since the COVID-19 virus hit. While these are not the first protests that have happened in Cuba, these are certainly some of the strongest. The people of Cuba are using their voices and have made it clear that they will not stop fighting until these problems are resolved.

What’s Causing This?

Cuba’s streets are lined with cars from decades ago, caused by the U.S. Embargo.

Cuba’s streets are lined with cars from decades ago, caused by the U.S. Embargo.

In addition to a scarcity of necessities, there have also been electrical blackouts which have exacerbated the citizens’ frustration and spurred protests. The situation only worsened with the onset of the pandemic. In 2020, Cuba’s cases were not as high, but since this year, there has been a rapid increase in the numbers. The lockdown from the pandemic shut down the tourism industry, which is a big source of income for Cuba. Many Cubans are supported by their family members living in America; with travel restrictions and U.S. sanctions, it became hard for many to send money, medicine, or essential items to their loved ones. Although some have found ways to aid their relatives, the situation is steadily worsening as the pandemic and lockdowns continue.

Another reason for the difficulties is the U.S. embargo. For decades, the U.S. has enforced an embargo on the communist country; during the Trump Administration, these sanctions were strengthened. Many are pointing to this, including Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who said in a UN General Assembly, “Like the virus, the blockade asphyxiates and kills; it must stop.” He also said that it was preventing the small country from getting medical equipment for the coronavirus and equipment for food production. One of Trump’s sanctions forced Western Union to close 407 of its locations in Cuba. Western Union is one of the main ways to collect remittances, which are vital for many citizens.


The People’s Cries

Cuba is known to have protests that are short-lived, but these are different. Many activists are viewing these protests as the first prolonged protests against the country’s government in years. Activist Carolina Barrero says, “It is the most massive popular demonstration to protest the government that we have experienced in Cuba since ’59,” in reference to the year Fidel Castro was first in power. Cuban citizens are struggling to get food; when they are able to get it, the products are overpriced. In January of this year, food prices have reportedly gone up nearly 300%, and the Cuban peso was devalued by 2300%.

Unsurprisingly, many turned to migration. Cubans have been migrating by boat to the coast of Florida in search of better opportunities. It is understandable that residents of a country with 32,000 active cases of COVID-19 and a daily death rate of 49 would look for a way out. It was also said by the government that only 15% of the 11 million people living in the country are vaccinated. 

With protests this powerful, it is no surprise that the government has been pushing back on them. Protestors have been arrested or injured from altercations with the police, and some are even said to be missing. Some CNN journalists bore witnesses as people were arrested and thrown into the back of vans. According to the Minister of the Interior in Cuba, one person has died in police custody. Some activists and journalists, such as Camila Acosta, have also been detained for involvement in the demonstrations. Many, including the ABC newspaper and Spain’s Foreign Minister, have responded to this asking for them to be released.

These protests will not cease until reform is instituted in the country. Cubans are living in terrible conditions, but the situation can be resolved if the people with the power to do so step up. It is crucial that we all stand with Cuban protesters in their fight by amplifying their voices and spreading awareness. ‘#soscuba’ is being used to share information and details over social media. We cannot sit back as the Cuban people suffer.




SOURCES:

Keara Field https://genzwearethefuture.org/
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