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CARICOM to send aid to Cuba as humanitarian crisis deepens
(Kaieteur News) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. Terrance Drew disclosed on Friday that the regional body has agreed to support humanitarian efforts in Cuba.
He made the disclosure during the closing media conference of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
The announcement comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Cuba following the January 29, 2026 executive order issued by the United States pledging to impose tariffs on any nation that provides oil to Cuba.
(L-R): Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP Outgoing Chair, CARICOM, Prime Minister, Jamaica; The Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, Chair, CARICOM, Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis and Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister, Saint Lucia
During the press conference, the CARICOM chair said Cuba was discussed during talks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present at the CARICOM heads meeting.
“With respect to Cuba and the humanitarian efforts, we are going to respond on the humanitarian end in short order. Within a month,” he said, noting that specifics will be released later but underscoring that CARICOM will respond in a significant way to help the humanitarian situation in Cuba.
Dr. Drew also referenced the joint statement issued by CARICOM, stating, “The matter of the challenging situation in Cuba was also discussed. All parties recognised that there should be efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The Caribbean Community, cognisant of its very close relationship with both Cuba and the USA, and mindful of the extent to which the region can be negatively affected, is willing to participate in any way that will redound to the benefit of the Cuban people, while maintaining regional stability.”
In response to a question on whether CARICOM will be involved in any transitional talks relating to Cuba, Dr. Drew said CARICOM’s focus at this time is on the humanitarian situation.
When pressed further on whether CARICOM’s aid to Cuba would include fuel, the chair said that within a month a team will be formed to determine the requirements and decide what humanitarian assistance will be offered.
“At this time, again the details as I mentioned will come…” he stated.
In the joint-statement it was stated that the heads of state and heads of government discussion with Secretary Rubio on February 25th was a highly constructive one with a frank conversation regarding the essential interests of all parties.
“Given the strong historical, diplomatic, familial and economic ties and cooperation over the years in matters of security, there was a clear platform for all to continue to work together to build a stronger, safer, more secure and prosperous Caribbean and United States of America; in other words, a stronger, safer, more secure and prosperous neighbourhood,” CARICOM said.
CNN recently reported that Cuba may be experiencing the most profound moment of economic uncertainty that the island’s residents have endured in decades if not over their entire lives. Through military action in Venezuela and threats of tariffs on Mexico, the Trump administration has shut off the flow of oil to Cuba, attempting to strong-arm the communist-run island into making significant political and economic reforms. As the crisis drags on, life is slowly grinding to a halt across this island of nearly 10 million people, the media entity said.
Kaieteur News had reported that the former Caribbean heads of state and government issued a public appeal calling for urgent action to prevent the deepening humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
In the statement attributed to former Guyanese President Donald Ramotar and former prime ministers Keith Rowley, Kenny Anthony, Bruce Golding, Edison James, Tillman Thomas, P. J. Patterson and Freundel Stuart, the leaders said they are “perturbed” by the situation unfolding in Cuba.
They pointed to the U.S executive order, arguing that it amounts to economic warfare and inflicts “unconscionable suffering” on the Cuban people.
“The consequences of this horrific fuel blockade are catastrophic and constitute cruel punishment of the 11 million civilians by the strangulation of Cuba’s vital requirements for energy, food, medication, education and basic livelihood,” the former leaders noted.
They noted that the universal principle of dialogue to resolve conflicts and disputes must not be abandoned in favour of what they described as political vendettas waged by powerful nations against smaller states through economic measures.
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