Hello from Havana, where regular people can’t afford rice or sugar or eggs, gas lines are half-a-work-day long (“lucky” for us – in the provinces they’re three-workdays long, piggy-backing on eight-hour blackouts), and real-feel temperatures are breaking records regularly. Three summers running, we’re still on the brink.
You don’t need me to tell you things are bad all over – inflation, war, sedition, scarcity, an intractable climate catastrophe, plus powerful cadres who want to keep us misinformed, consuming and fearful, less we wake up to stand up. But the global malaise is one thing. The longest, strongest US sanctions are something altogether. The two together? Cuba, Summer, 2023.
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Imagine you live in a gated or rural community with a single road in and out. One day, you decide to make changes to your property, implementing a new landscape design, including lawn art. Your closest neighbor does not approve. They are, in fact, quite horrified at what you’ve chosen to do. Although you’ve lived side-by-side for decades, they raise a ruckus. Rather than invite you over for coffee and a conversation, said neighbor goes to the mat, blocking the one-way-in, one-way-out road, holding you captive, demanding you remove those endemic plants and hideous (to them) kinetic sculptures.
By this time, they’ve got their panties in a full twist and enlist other neighbors, threatening to shut off their means of entry and egress unless—and until—they fall in line. They, of course, accede – sooner or later, often against their principles. Roadside signs begin popping up: ‘Only lawns!’ and ‘No yard art!’ are popular. People stop sharing food and gossip and laughter with you. Social feeds from the next community over add fuel to the fire: ‘It’s your property! No one can tell you what to do with it!’ is a common sentiment. ‘They are punishing you for your plant preference? Are we still living in the Land of the Free?!’ opines Farmer Marj. ‘Down with lawn art!’ counters a Karen. ‘Not in our backyard!’ someone seconds.
They dig in. You dig in.
Sounds outlandish, exaggerated, absurd.
And yet, in this metaphor, Cuba is that neighbor – all endemic plants and funky sculptures. And the United States does not like the looks of it. Since 1960, billions of dollars (including your tax dollars) have been spent, and political careers forged/consolidated, on the issue of our southern neighbor’s choices. For a country built on individualism about which it boasts and markets itself worldwide, the USA’s actions belie its rhetoric. If you do a deep dive, it becomes apparent that my birth country doesn’t genuinely welcome independent, outside-the-box thinking. A little might be ok, good even, for the optics, but color outside US-designed lines and You. Will. Pay.
For over 60 years and counting, Cubans have been paying.
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Most of you probably don’t know (or care) that I have a Master’s degree in political science. It’s more a toxic hobby nowadays, but the ineffective and counterproductive nature of sanctions is Global Diplomacy 101. Read the balanced, sourced analyses below and you’ll see, sanctions only work in a few, very specific contexts. Cuba is not one of them.
Can you hear all those hearts breaking?
Probably not. For over 60 years, people who have never stepped foot on the island, who couldn’t pick Randy Alonso out of a line up, who’ve never enjoyed a cold drink coupled with a hot kiss on the Malecón, have been telling the world how they are going to break Cuba. They always fail to mention, however, the heartbreak of a mother dying alone, lovers separated, siblings estranged.
Meanwhile, this is our daily bread. Heartbreak. Hunger. Punishment. Take this. Take that. Suffer.
If after 60 years your neighbor hasn’t installed a lawn and taken down questionable art, isn’t it time to try a new strategy? Obama got it.
Obviously, my metaphor is reductive and Cuba needs to own its share of the blame for the current situation (corruption; internal blockade; lack of transparency; power/paranoia dynamic; disastrous/delusional accounting systems; and horrible marketing of their message, among them). Nevertheless, it illustrates my premise: subjecting a neighbor or country or neighboring country to violence and torture because you don’t agree with how they’re conducting their lives – even if you had an historical hand in constructing that life – is an egregious violation of rights: basic rights, human rights, sovereign rights.
Did you say violence and torture? Yes, in fact, I did: when your child has a rare form of curable cancer and treatment is only available in the United States, but you can’t access that care because your child is Cuban (even with all the money in the world), that is violent. That is torture. That is familial and generational trauma in the making. That is inhumane and that is criminal. And that Cuban child with cancer? She needs treatment, as you read this. But the US won’t give her and many others like her a temporary visa to get the care she needs. Tightening sanctions during the pandemic? Violence. Torture.
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People write me all the time: ‘I’m reading that Cubans are starving. I don’t want to take food from peoples’ mouths. Is it ethical for me to travel there?’ First, Cubans may be hungry, but not starving. Second, this is not a zero-sum game where the yuca on your plate could be on a Cuban’s. Third, the rules of the Cuban game are so complex and mine-riddled, you’ll likely be all kinds of unethical without even realizing it. But don’t worry: Cubans are master ducks, letting most everything slide right off their backs.
In fact, the opposite might be argued, that staying away is unethical.
Every dollar, euro, pound or yen that enters the country helps feed some people, somehow, in today’s Cuba. Each day at the beach, horseback ride, dinner at a restaurant, dancing at a club, coffee by the roadside or beer on the Malecón, is helping feed a Cuban. Donate to good causes while you’re at it – many projects inside and outside the country have reliable, experienced donations programs helping Cubans survive. Spend freely, tip your guides, hosts, servers and entertainers. Draw your own conclusions. Come help us laugh and make music, make merry and forge new friendships.
While you’re at it (or if you aren’t up for traveling), lobby your politicians for a change in policy – especially if you live in New Jersey or Florida. Need a good argument? For 30 straight years, the world community has condemned these sanctions, most recently voting 185-2 (US and Israel against) at the UN General Assembly to lift the blockade. The 2023 vote is coming up. Hopefully we’ve reached a tipping point where the United States is dethroned as Global Bully once and for all.
Here is Havana 
Very well stated. Both countries bear a share of the blame but for better or worse the US is in the controlling position. Biden’s inadequate response to Trumpism both motivates and justifies Cuba’s inability to take big steps in reforming governance and the economy.
Our petition that called on both governments to undo the consequences of Trump has received minimal support, 163 signers, compared to our call for the US to restore Obama’s policy, 5,051 signers.
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/mutual-responsibility-and-opportunity-for-the-us-and-cuba
Travel is indeed the best and most effective personal step.
Capable independent guides are listed here https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2021/12/independent-guides-in-cuba.html
Some of the many group tour providers are listed here https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2021/12/group-trips-to-cuba.html
My paper on connections between Irish and Cuban independence struggles in NY in the 19th century is available here https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2023/05/ireland-and-cuba-historical-links-and.html
Thanks for reading and writing in John. Unfortunately, the news continues to be bad: JetBlue just announced it is ceasing service to Cuba. 19 weekly flights now unavailable. Troublesome…..
The largest blame goes to Washington. The ban on American use of almost all hotels and lack of restoration of an independent people to people general license are major impediments.
Havana could improve the situation by agreeing to the request of tour guides to be legal cuenta propistas and by authorizing private travel agencies. They would be more natural partners to the wide array of home based and local business travel advisors in the US.
It is hard to tell how much larger social and political problems are a consequence and/or a reputational cause of reduced numbers of US visitors, e.g. currency exchange of dollars, self-defensive limits on artistic and political freedom, the numbers still imprisoned from July 11.
Cuba could take concrete measures to improve the situation, for sure. Many of the top, most experienced tour guides are already in the private sector.
I should have included the Biden Administration’s inexplicable preservation of Trump’s ban on cruise ship travel to Cuba. Although they had the shallowest engagement with Cuba, cruise passengers were also the largest and broadest based component of US travelers. It was an easy introduction to an unknown and sometimes anxiety producing destination.
I was surprised that Cuban and US tour operators did not make a systematic effort to convince cruise passengers to return for a longer and more substantial visit.
It’s sad that my homeland constantly being attacked by this fascist regime.
Yes! You are absolutely correct on all points. Sing it out loud and strong. The bully of the ‘hood needs to be stopped. The sanctions need to end. It’s beyond time.
Wish everyone felt the same way, Jenny! Its all pretty demoralizing. Sigh.
I’m so glad you wrote this. Please help clarify something I expected you’d mention, but didn’t. The push for sanctions has long come from the early bands of Cuban refugees, angry at Castro for ruining their lives and livelihoods with his revolution. (I never heard any of them complain about Batista, btw). They form a strong voting bloc in Florida (and you added New Jersey; I moved out of Jersey before that happened so can’t speak to it) and have succeeded in making certain the blockade and sanctions continue. I’ve never thought of the sanctions as a policy of the us. Rather, the US leadership is held hostage by theses Cuban refugees (who vote Republican mostly). Fortunately they are now dying out. And the younger generations are not as fervid (so I hear). What am I missing?
Hola Janet. The “biological solution” to Cuban refugees from 1st/2nd wave of migration in the 60s/90s and the same solution for Cuban revolutionaries in power, is something a lot of people have been hanging on to as THE solution to this intractable problem.
However, the world evolves, unexpected events occur, things shift. In this instance, there are 2 “new” factors affecting the US-Cuba scenario. The first happened about 6 years ago, when Cuba permitted unlimited data/internet access. So there is a “new” field of battle virtually. Google Otaolo or La Diosa (or DeSantis) to see the heights of propaganda, hate and ridiculousness this is throwing into the mix. The digital learning curve is STEEP. Also, over the past 2 years, Cuba has experienced an out migration that surpasses both special period and mariel boatlift combined. Many go to south Florida and NJ where there are traditionally strong Cuban communities. These emigrants are a mix of gender, race, age and educational level but many are wholly receptive to Trump messaging and are supporters. The why? of this is complex (Cuban exceptionalism – ‘we aren’t like OTHER immigrants;’ US exceptionalism/American dream and MAGA; the need to psychologically justify abandoning patria/family, echo chamber of social media and on and on….)
I am always curious when a Cuban supports the ignorant, mysoginistic, classist, racist, isolationist viriole of a US politician. When the protests in San Isidro erupted, they were fueled by one of the BIPOC protagonists saying “Trump is my president.” Oh, my brother. Another of the protagonists (I forget which one, they’re so forgettable, but all of this is on the Internet) made mention about preferring US miltary intervention which is laughable, albeit frightening.
In short, it’s a new landscape but US Cuba policy continues to be driven by domestic, rather than foreign, policy goals (despite the rhetoric), the mis/disinformation on the Internet creates an echo chamber and Us/Them division, Cuban emigrants to the USA are desperate to justify their decision and fit in to their adopted country, etc.
But thinking deeper on this now thanks to your question, maybe it’s more simple, more practical (while Cubans can be VERY impractical – eg stilettos at the beach – when it comes to survival, they are the MOST practical): if you’re sleeping on a distant relative’s couch for a year until your papers/paying job come through and they’re all MAGA hats and Proud Boys, you better go along or you may be out on the street.
Drinking the Koolaid
I have followed your writings with interest over the years for information and perspective on the Cuban experience. Although not well versed on Cuba I have travelled there and spent time in Cuban homes talking in hushed tones with Cubanos about ‘la lucha’.
This article has destroyed your credibility with me. The obviously emotional diatribe against the (yes, unjust) trade embargo using an absurd analogy and flogging the US with a story about the treatment of an unfortunate child’s disease is bottom of the barrel journalism. Neither objective nor encompassing such rhetoric only aggravates an impossible situation.
Trade that poly-sci parchment for a globe. Realize that as long as Cuba is in bed with Russia and continues to poke a stick in the US eye by allowing free transit of Russian military assets and signing bilateral agreements to deploy the Russian war machine on the island that this embargo will continue… in my opinion. “The friend of my enemy is my enemy”. Machiavelli. What is needed is a paradigm shift in the Cuban psyche. Mama always said ‘Choose your friends well’.
As to the child, I do not know but am confident that the child can receive the treatment in my country, Canada. We have traded with Cuba for over 300 years and continue to do so despite the embargo. If the child is really a concern to you I suggest you use your admirable writing talents to pursue alternatives in other countries such as mine. Or, you can use it as an excuse to spew vitriol on your home country.
Hola Kelly
Welcome to my super subjective, non-journalistic blog where I (thankfully!) get to write emotionally about issues important to me.
The analogy was, I as I said, reductive and I should have said INTENTIONALLY — i.e. for those who need things boiled down in this scroll, scroll, scroll, click, click, click world where critical thinking is eroding faster than the sands of Guanahcabibes. You don’t need the facile analogy, so good for you!
You are very much on the attack which probably ISNT good for you, but let me just point out that if you are going to analyze Cuba-Russian relations, maybe take a 5-10 year view as a starting point and also place in the global context of Trump, a pandemic, war in Ukraine, the woeful state of the US democratic party, the Chinese threat to US hegemony etc etc. Also, do you have information we don’t? Because no one, and I mean NO ONE except for a very few individuals (you may be one, I have no idea) can properly analyze what is going on between Cuba-Russia-China-Iran etc because reliable, transparent data is not available. Did you or anyone know about the 18 months of secret negotiations between US and Cuba that led to the start of normalization? That took us all by surprise didn’t it?
And about that halcyon period: in 2016, when President Obama came to Cuba (and the Stones – woohoo!!!), when normalization was afoot, compelling Cuba to answer to its populace and US viz economic reforms, wherefore Russia then?
Canada isn’t the warm and fuzzy teddy bear towards Cuba you portray, either. But that’s another story!
Thanks for the writing complement. Trying to do more of it these days, but I have to go find some rice and sugar.
The ‘secret negotiations’ between the US and Cuba were a Canadian initiative hosted on Canadian soil. I wish you the best in your adoptive country.
That’s right. The secret negotiations, how many, the location and unique role of the Pope, were reported the day after normailzation was announced — in 2014.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/secret-diplomacy-with-cuba-ended-in-breakthrough-deal/2014/12/17/c51b3ed8-8614-11e4-a702-fa31ff4ae98e_story.html
“…the woeful state of the US democratic party,”
Please tell me you meant the Republican Party.
Well, both actually but the Democratic Party isnt doing a great job of: mobilizing (and being relevant to) young voters, has a questionable strategy for countering Republicans/Trump (just hoping they’ll implode or lose isn’t a strategy — see 2016 election; also see gubernatorial and Congressional elections), gun control, Cuba, etc etc. They’re the lesser of two evils for sure (yes abortion, yes LGBTQA+, yes, vaccines) but the 2 party system, the stupidly short election cycle (see: Congress) federalism vs state power, old white dudes disproportionately represented, lobby POWER, etc etc does not make for a healthy democracy in my opinion.
Kelly
Cuba has been in bed with Russia mostly out of necessity. As was stated embargoes barely work 10% of the time. Can we all agree the stick hasn’t worked and we can now try the carrot?
Agree absolutely with all of this. There is no justification for the blockade and how it makes ordinary Cubans suffer.
Earl and I are thinking of you, Cuba Libro and Cuba Libre. Wishing you love and wellness. Sylvia
Gracias Earl and Sylvia. No es facil. Your note is appreciated
Great to hear from you Conner! I’ve visited Cuba 5 times (last in 2017) and your comments inspire a return visit. However, this may sound selfish but I’m almost 80 (very active) and do wonder about health care should some emergency arise (I was a nurse.)
That said, will probably go anyway—you’ve persuaded me it’s an ethical thing to do.
Wandering Canadian
Hi Diane!! If I make it to almost 80, I hope to be as active a traveler as you! One of the sad parts of today’s Cuba (for me) is that foreigners who fall ill, have an accident or otherwise need medical attention while here, are well cared for, the resources are available for treatment and of course, there are the talented, humanistic doctors for which Cuba healthcare is (still) known. In Havana and other major cities at least. Keep on wandering!
Hello. A story you might enjoy knowing. My mom is now 94. In 2019, she, my husband, and I spent the Christmas holidays in Cuba; granma province. New Years Eve my mother became ill and was sent to the hospital in Pilon. While the ambiance was not what we were used to — sinks and curtains, eg,?had seen better days — she felt that she was in good hands. Cuba has been renowned for their great medical system and care. They diagnosed her accurately, dehydration, and she was released the next day.
That must have been scary for you, her and your husband. This story is illustrative for many reasons:
1. even in Pilon (Pilon is WAY out there!), you can get good diagnostic care and treatment
2. it is of utmost importance to stay hydrated in Cuba (preferably without buying small plastic bottles)
3. some of the worst travel experiences hold the best lessons and memories
They may be well cared for once in the proper tourist hospital, assuming they are still alive if they have to depend on an ambulance to take them there. The wait could literally be hours.
You are correct. And Cubans (born or aplatanada como yo) know not to call the ambulance, but rather the neighbor with a car or just flag a car down on the street/road/lane. As you may imagine, in 20 years, I’ve had lots of first-hand experience in health emergencies where elsewhere, you might call an ambulance (except if you’re in the USA w/o health care) and we have called a neighbor, flagged someone down or have been flagged down.
You are 100%+ on point about the role of the United States and its role as a fascist bully. The embargo is a dismally failed, antique strategy that was proven useless before it really began. The Cuban people have got to be the most resilient in the world today, and I wish they had the luxury of not having to be resilient, and just be.
However, why can’t those resilient Cuban people have a fair and free election, and why is any dissent from the Communist Party of Cuba’s dictates met with the most draconian, repressive measures? Why is there only partial freedom of expression, speech and in many cases free association? These are not Fox News talking points I’m raising, but realities that have no causative link to the embargo, or to the moronic policies the United States continues to embrace.
Cuba has the potential to show the world how a socialist democracy can successfully function and thrive. Yet its leadership chooses antediluvian, self-destructive policies that only embolden Cuba’s enemies, and slowly but steadily decrease the faith (and patience) the Cuban people have in maintaining the status quo.
The embargo, which began in 1962, must end, like today. But so must the Cuban government’s totalitarian posture, which was birthed at approximately the same time. I don’t cite these realities as examples of “whataboutism,” rather than as an expression of hope that these two governments, and all other governments, have the capacity and willingness to embrace current realities, and the effect their actions have on the lives of each person whose experiences define those realities.
Hey Jack. You make salient points. The reactions and responses of the Cuban government, especially of late, are questionable and Draconian as you say.
However, they would argue (and there’s some relevance to the argument) that much of it is indeed causal, linked to the blockade and related neo-colonialist/neo liberal policies coming from the North: the US pays dissenters to foment (documented, not my opinion), and is intervening in the sovereignty of an independent nation, as it has been doing since the 1800s.
And yes. Resilience is eroding. Patience is eroding. Sense of humor is eroding and strong, talented, and capable people continue to leave the country. Nevertheless, I am seeing some hopeful and positive signs here on the ground recently. Fingers crossed.
I need to hear about those hopeful, positive signs! Maintaining optimism is challenging.
The younger generation is doing amazing things – community projects, environmental activism, creating art, launching businesses, importing/exporting, volunteering. This is cause for optimism because eventually, they’ll be in decision making positions. Thats all I got right now. Onwards and upwards
You inspire some armchair psychological analysis.
As I think about it, virtually every repressive regime on this planet, from North Korea to Iran use their crushing power simply to stay in power.
Cuba has been under threat from the United States since Fredo Corleone got on that plane, and people (or nations) under threat have a reflex reaction to protect themselves.
Many Americans feel threatened, and unfortunately their fear can lead them to the local gun shop.
The Cuban government is enigmatic in this light:threatened from the outside threatening inside of Cuba. A sprawling bureaucracy
(like every government )comprised of Cubans not a small group of “rulers,” like Ayatollahs or the Kim Jong clan.
It’s interesting that the U.S. claims to have such granular knowledge of and concern for the Cuban economy, that it sanctions certain hotels and other businesses while doing nothing to address the disinformation crisis (and it is a crisis) enabled by Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg right here.
All this while democracy in the United States is either under attack or being defended by freely elected representatives of the people.
It makes you almost miss Nixon lol.
Hi Conner.. it’s been a while since you’ve updated. How are things?
Hola Candela.
Things are en candela!! hahaha.
Yeah, times are tough here. I’ve taken on additional (non Cuban) writing to help keep ahead of bills and debt (partially working, so grateful for that). And I don’t want this blog to devolve into a negative rant – living as I have for over 2 decades in the thick of it, Im privvy to my fair share of really troubling things happening. Dont get me wrong, there are some really positive things happening here, too and the younger generations have a lot of energy and creativity; the variety of new initiatives is proof.
Cuba Libro continues to support and grow community and we are focusing on supporting other projects that help the health and well being of locals. And Im focusing on my own physical and mental health, including writing a book about my life here. So the blog is back burner-ed for now. Thanks for checking in.