‘Guyana turning its back on Cuba in time of need’ – APNU

May 30, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National (APNU) on Friday reiterated its position for Guyana to establish a balanced approach in its foreign policy, regarding the abandonment of the people of Cuba in their time of need while the Unite States (U.S.) government continues to apply pressure to the nation.

The U.S. has hit Cuba with an oil blockade and numerous sanctions that block the import of crucial supplies to the country, causing a collapse in delivery of health services that ground ambulances and other critical medical services. The nation is not only grappling with a health crisis but an energy and economic crisis as blackouts leave millions without power for as much as 22 hours daily due to the halt on importation of fuel. Food, water and other necessities to the nation have also been strangled as a result of the U.S. blockade.

On Wednesday, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) expressed its “profound concern” over what is transpiring in Cuba, insisting that the decisions of the U.S not only affects Cubans by other CARICOM nationals living and studying there.

The body stated, “These measures compound the trade and economic embargo imposed on Cuba for over six decades, which has had a deleterious effect on the lives and livelihoods of the Cuban people.” It said it “unequivocally affirms Cuba’s sovereign right to import and receive fuel, and condemns the obstruction of energy supplies to Cuba, which has precipitated a grave humanitarian crisis.”

Guyana and Trinidad were the only two CARICOM countries that reserved their position on the statement.

To this end, APNU reminded of its stance on this matter, which was addressed by Leader, Aubrey Norton back in March, during a media conference.

While responding to a question on Friday, Member of Parliament (MP) Juretha Fernandes made it clear that the party’s position on the issue has not changed, reminding that Mr. Norton previously said, “We are abandoning the people who helped us sincerely…he was very clear on saying that we need to balance our alliances and supporting Cuba doesn’t make Guyana anti-America.”

In his address on March 13, 2026, the former Leader of the Opposition highlighted that Cuba sent doctors and other medical personnel to Guyana through a collaboration that helped improve the local health system as well throughout the Caribbean.

He explained, “Cuba came to the assistance of us. In my opinion therefore, we have some kind of a moral obligation to help the Cubans and helping the Cubans doesn’t make you anti-American.”

Norton suggested that if the Government of Guyana (GoG) had taken a stronger approach, the country could have stood up to the United States to explain “we hear you on this question of the Cuban government utilising a lot of the resources but could we find a mid-way point…so that the issue of concern to you is dealt with – assuming that the stated position is the real position.”

He said that while Guyana welcomes and appreciates the support of the U.S. government on the Guyana-Venezuela territorial controversy, the country should never become part of a mechanism that “seeks to starve and destroy the Cuban society.”

Moreover, the party leader pointed out that as a small state, Guyana should be mindful that it may one day require the solidarity of other small states.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week announced that Cuba poses a “national security threat” to the U.S. and the likelihood of a peaceful agreement is “not high”.

BBC reported that his comments came just a day after the U.S. charged Cuba’s former president Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of two planes resulting in the killing of U.S. nationals.

Rubio said Washington’s preference was “a diplomatic solution” but warned that President Donald Trump had the right and obligation to protect his country against any threat.

Notably, in March this year, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago joined the Shield of the Americas – a U.S.-led security framework launched by President Donald Trump.

The 17-nation body is focused on fighting transnational criminal organisations, stopping illegal immigration, and countering Chinese influence.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali was among leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago who were invited by President Trump for the Summit.

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• APNU, Cuba, Guyana, turning its back

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