Cubans are suffering as T&T stays silent

Cubans are enduring severe hardship due to a tightened US blockade, while Trinidad and Tobago remains silent on the issue. The UN General Assembly has consistently voted to condemn the US economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba since 1962, with only the US and Israel typically voting against the resolution. However, recent actions have intensified the crisis. In January 2026, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a blockade on oil shipments to Cuba, citing national emergency powers and accusing the Cuban government of harming the US. This order has led to threats of high tariffs and sanctions against countries trading with Cuba, causing nations to terminate beneficial arrangements, including medical services. Vessels attempting to deliver oil have been intercepted, and their cargo seized. The oil blockade has compounded the existing economic embargo, creating a humanitarian crisis. Health and social conditions have deteriorated dramatically, endangering over ten million lives. National blackouts have forced hospitals to halt critical surgeries, while schools and businesses have closed. Families lack cooking gas, and transportation is crippled by fuel shortages. Water, waste, and sanitation systems have broken down, worsening health conditions and leaving streets littered with garbage. The member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have historically supported the resolution against the embargo, reflecting UN principles of peace, security, and human rights. However, recent voting patterns suggest a growing disregard for these principles and humanitarian objectives.