HAVANA (WSVN) - Humanitarian aid arrived in Havana amid the ongoing crisis in Cuba, but the helping hand did not come without some misgivings from the Cuban exile community living in the United States.
It was a welcome sight for many on Tuesday as the first boat of the “Nuestra América” flotilla — carrying medical supplies, food and solar panels — reached the island nation.
Critics have slammed this effort, saying it’s benefiting Cuba’s government more than people who need it most.
The aid comes as a U.S. fuel blockade makes Cuba’s energy crisis even more concerning.
“And yes, people should keep donating and keep sending aid; that is the immediate need, it’s the immediate material needs of the Cuban people as the blockade continues,” said Olivia DiNucci, one of the individuals who delivered aid to Cuba.
The country has suffered seven nationwide blackouts since 2024 — two of them just this past week — due to aging electric plants and a shortage of oil.
Tuesday’s delivery of critical aid brought a sense of relief to many Cubans on the island.
“We are grateful to all these brothers and sisters who are helping us with whatever aid they can provide us during this situation we are now facing in the country,” Lisandra Sánchez said in Spanish.
The situation has only grown worse since President Donald Trump ordered the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro back in January. Venezuela, Cuba’s main supplier of oil, has been choked off, triggering weeks of blackouts. Some nights, the entire island goes dark
Trump also threatened to slap tariffs on any country that ships oil to Cuba. He has repeatedly vowed to take Cuba, insisting the communist nation is on the verge of collapse.
“I do believe I’ll have the honor of taking Cuba,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “That’s a big honor.”
“Taking Cuba?” Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump.
“Taking Cuba in some form, yeah. Taking Cuba, I mean, whether I free it, take it, I can do anything I want with it,” Trump said.
Many members in the Cuban exile community have applauded Trump’s stance, saying these actions have been six decades in the making.
“Communism is the cancer of humanity. My God, do we understand that now ’cause whatever they touch turns to garbage,” said Cuban exile Max Alvarez.
Their hope is that many would be able to return to a free country.
But beyond Cuba’s need for fuel, there are also shortages of food and medicine, leaving many in desperate need.
But now the flotilla’s shrimp fishing boat, filled with activists and supplies in hand, is offering some sense of hope for the people of Cuba.
Trump has made it clear that his administration’s goal is regime change.
While both countries have acknowledged holding discussions, neither has disclosed any details of any potential deal being made.
The first aid shipments arrived by plane last week from Europe, Latin America and the U.S. as part of an air and sea mission that is bringing some 50 tons of aid to Cuba. Two more ships are due to arrive in the coming days.
Back in South Florida, the Coty of Hialeah is preparing a “Free Cuba” rally in support of toppling the country’s current regime and bringing freedom to the island. The rally is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., Tuesday night.
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