CARICOM preparing to dispatch humanitarian supplies to Cuba

Mar 25, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Tuesday said that regional governments are preparing to dispatch humanitarian aid to Cuba, following a decision announced by CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Terrance Drew at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in St Kitts and Nevis on 24 – 27 February 2026.

In a statement, CARICOM Secretariat said it is coordinating the humanitarian effort.

“Items such as powdered milk, including baby formula; non-perishables such as beans, wheat flour, rice, and canned goods; basic medical supplies; solar panels; batteries, and water tanks, will be purchased on behalf of Member States and shipped to Cuba,” the statement said.

Further, the initiative is being supported by the Government of Mexico, which has identified suppliers in Mexico able to deliver the items to the port of departure, and which will provide free shipment from Mexico to Cuba.

Last month, the CARICOM chair said that 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.

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.

Meanwhile, last weekend the BBC reported that more than 10 million people had power cut to their homes and businesses across Cuba after the country’s national electrical grid collapsed for the second time in a week.

Cuba’s energy ministry said “a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred”, in a social media statement.

Cuba’s grid operator UNE said it was gradually recovering electricity, prioritising “vital” centres including hospitals and water systems.

By Sunday afternoon, power had been restored to about half of Havana, according to its electricity company.

The Caribbean country has suffered three major blackouts this month as a US fuel blockade cuts off foreign oil imports, required to keep power stations running.

The Communist-run country has an ageing electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.

A coalition of international socialist groups arrived in Havana over the weekend to show their support for the Cuban government, bringing with them aid donations of solar panels, basic food kits and medicines.

The “Nuestra America” convoy, a flotilla of aid leaving Mexico, was delayed because of rough sea conditions but is expected to arrive in Havana’s port on Monday.

Rare public dissent sparked by the recent crisis and national power cuts saw locals banging pots and pans in central Havana on Monday. Protesters in central Cuba’s town of Morón also attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day.

Unauthorised demonstrations are illegal in Cuba and those who defy the ban risk being jailed.

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• CARICOM, Cuba, Donald Ramotar, humanitarian supplies

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