PROGRESO, Mexico, March 20 (Reuters) — In Mexico, a group of volunteers is working hard to provide aid to Cuba as the island faces challenges from a U.S. ban on oil imports. This has resulted in power outages and an escalating economic crisis.
At a port in Yucatan, which is less than 800 kilometers (497 miles) from Havana across the Gulf of Mexico, dozens of volunteers loaded boats with supplies like rice, baby wipes, and other essentials. They gathered under a hand-painted banner reading: “Let Cuba Live.”
“At first, we felt like we were up against a wall trying to gather enough aid,” said volunteer Marisela Vega. “But then it began to grow. When more people started hearing about it, they began to respond.”
Vega mentioned that they received donations including beans, baby formula, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products, as well as medications bought through donations.
The boats are set to leave on Friday as part of the “Nuestra America Convoy,” which translates to “Our America Convoy.” This initiative encourages volunteers worldwide to send vital supplies, especially food, medicine, and energy items like batteries and flashlights, to a central collection point in Cuba by Saturday. This is a response to the measures taken by U.S. President Donald Trump during a time of high tension between the U.S. and Cuba.
After the U.S. implemented an oil blockade on Cuba, which is run by a communist government, it followed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been Cuba’s main support. Recently, Trump hinted at possibly taking further action regarding Cuba, stating he might have the “honor of taking Cuba.”
Before the U.S. ban, Mexico was a significant fuel supplier and has been sending humanitarian aid to Cuba.
“Cuba has endured an economic blockade for years that has hindered the Cuban people's ability to develop freely,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday. “It is up to the people of Cuba to decide how to govern without outside interference.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel noted that goods from Europe had arrived on Friday as part of the “Nuestra America” aid effort.
“We welcome the warmth of the people,” he shared in a social media post.