Cuba’s Ongoing Crisis and Global Concerns

The economic and social situation in Cuba continues to deteriorate, with residents facing severe hardships. Simultaneously, global attention is focused on escalating conflicts in the Middle East, raising concerns about humanitarian crises and adherence to international law. This article examines the current state of affairs in Cuba, as reported by those with firsthand experience, and addresses the urgent need for ethical conduct in international conflicts.

Cuba’s Deepening Economic and Social Problems

Mayra Medina, a Cuban native who has resided in the Canary Islands since 2005, recently returned to Cuba and observed a situation she describes as worse than ever before. Medina, who holds a degree in English Language and Literature, experienced the hardships of the ‘Periodo Especial’—a severe economic crisis in the 1990s triggered by the dissolution of the Soviet Union—during her university years. Source

Her father, a veteran of the Cuban Revolution who fought alongside Fidel and Raúl Castro, held a key position in the tourism sector. Despite this connection, Medina recounts a past where even basic freedoms were curtailed, including being subjected to surveillance by a neighbor monitoring her activities and visitors on behalf of the government. She also described a previous role within the Ministry of Tourism that required her to report any negative comments about the Cuban system or Fidel Castro made by tourists. Source

Medina’s recent observations indicate that the current problems stem from systemic corruption, rather than the U.S. Embargo. She continues to provide financial support to her family in Cuba and assists Cuban descendants in the Canary Islands with obtaining Spanish citizenship.

The Periodo Especial: A Historical Context

The ‘Periodo Especial’ (Special Period) was a prolonged period of economic crisis in Cuba beginning in 1990, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CAME). Source This led to a significant contraction of Cuba’s economy, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) falling by 36% between 1990 and 1993. Source The crisis was characterized by shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medicine. Source The period necessitated changes in agricultural practices, including the development of organopónicos (organic gardens), and a reduction in automobile use. Source

Concerns Over International Conflict and Humanitarian Law

Alongside the situation in Cuba, there is growing concern regarding the conflict in the Middle East. A medical professional has voiced alarm over the disregard for the Geneva Convention, which is designed to protect civilians and medical facilities during times of war. Source Reports indicate a high number of civilian casualties, including a significant number of children. Specifically, 850 civilians have died in two weeks, including 107 children. Source

The doctor emphasized the difficulties exacerbated by the energy crisis and noted reports of massive population displacement, with approximately 800,000 people affected and lacking sufficient resources. Source There is a call for increased pressure on all parties involved to uphold ethical and legal standards and prevent further suffering.

Canary Islands Weather Update

The Canary Islands have recently been impacted by Storm Therese, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. On Saturday morning, gusts reached up to 116 km/h in Sabinosa on El Hierro. Source Significant rainfall was recorded across the islands, with Vega de San Mateo on Gran Canaria receiving over 55 liters of rain per square meter. Source Schools in several islands transitioned to distance learning due to the storm, with some adopting hybrid teaching models. Source

The 112 emergency service reported over 520 incidents across the Canary Islands, primarily in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.