HAVANA — A ship laden with humanitarian aid from the governments of Mexico and Uruguay arrived Monday in Havana to assist ease Cuba’s spiraling crises.
The ship, which departed from a Mexican port, contains private hygiene objects and 1,700 tons of grains, powdered milk and different meals objects, in accordance with a press release printed by Cuban state media.
Cuba’s meals trade minister, Alberto López Díaz, mentioned the objects arrive “at a time of nice financial hardship, exacerbated by the tightening of the blockade imposed on our nation by the USA authorities.”
Tensions between the 2 international locations have risen, with the U.S. ratcheting up stress as it seeks an indictment in opposition to former Cuban President Raúl Castro over his alleged function in the 1996 downing of 4 planes operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro was protection minister on the time.
López Díaz mentioned in a press release that Monday’s aid could be distributed “with the utmost duty and respect,” prioritizing kids, the aged and weak households.
Not like different shipments publicized by Mexico’s authorities as a present of solidarity towards their Caribbean ally, Mexican authorities have mentioned little or no about Monday’s cargo, which arrived after weeks of heightened tensions with the U.S. authorities.
Mexico’s international relations ministry and president’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for extra particulars on Monday.
Cuba’s financial and power crises have deepened this yr after the U.S. invaded Venezuela in early January, halting crucial oil shipments from the South American nation.
Then in late January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any nation that sells or supplies oil to the island.
A extreme gasoline scarcity has endured, and widespread blackouts proceed throughout the island.
A number of folks in Havana gathered as the ship docked. Amongst them was 52-year-old Reiniel Morales.
“Something that comes in is sweet,” he mentioned. “We’ve got to discover a strategy to counteract the blockade. And if there are any ships left in the world, the perfect factor they’ll do is assist Cuba. As a result of it’s the Cuban people who find themselves struggling.”
Morales mentioned he hasn’t obtained any of the earlier aid that Mexico despatched this yr, however expects to in some unspecified time in the future.
“The time will come when will probably be my flip. I’ve two aged folks at residence, my father and mom,” he mentioned.
Niurvis Fabre, a 52-year-old instructor, additionally celebrated the newest arrival of aid for Cuba.
She doesn’t count on to obtain any of it given her age, however mentioned she is content material “as lengthy as the aid goes to the individuals who actually need it.”
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