Cuba's Current Crisis
By Sydney Johnson
Courtesy of ABCNews
Cuba's power system completely collapsed this Saturday due to the U.S. oil embargo, leaving the country without electricity for the third time this month. The power outages have become commonplace and have been debilitating to the island's citizens.
Since the Trump Administration threatened additional tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba, like Mexico, in January, they have had to rely on their electrical system, which has become increasingly unreliable in recent years. Citizens have resorted to using wood fires to heat their homes and provide warm water.
The country produces 40% of its petroleum and has been generating its own power; however, this does not offset the run-down, aging electricity grid. William LeoGrande, a professor at American University who has been tracking Cuba's developing situation, believes that the technicians keeping the grid working are “magicians…given the shape that it’s in.”
He says the country can continue to “struggle along” without oil shipments; however, this will lead to continued suffering for its residents, according to the Associated Press.
In addition to cutting Cuba off economically, the Trump Administration is isolating Cuba
diplomatically. Costa Rica is closing its Cuban embassy, accusing the Cuban government of repression and violating the rights of its citizens, according to CNN.
There have been demonstrations in Cuba following the power outages, protesting the lack of electricity in their homes, which is preventing them from continuing their studies. “When the power went out on campus for two days, it really set me back. I couldn't imagine what it would be like if that [were nationwide],” said Dylan Paddy, a Hampton University student. In the city of Morón, demonstrators partially destroyed the local headquarters of the Communist Party.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, the president of Cuba, says there will be “no impunity” for those committing violent acts, despite understanding their frustrations. The oil blockade is expected to continue; however, the damage is already done. With Cuba's government on the verge of collapse, the Trump Administration will not likely give the country a chance to recover.