Reported from the source

Quick summary: Cubans are closely monitoring the escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela, fearing severe repercussions for their island nation. Cuba is existentially dependent on Venezuelan oil, and US pressure on the Maduro government, including threats of war and a sea blockade, is exacerbating Cuba’s already dire economic situation, marked by power outages, fuel shortages, and a struggling healthcare system. Many Cubans live below the poverty line and express fears of further escalation, while some even hope for Maduro’s overthrow, despite the risks of such statements.

Many Cubans are intently watching Venezuela, where the United States is exerting massive pressure on the government of authoritarian President Maduro. This conflict has significant implications for the island nation. The US regularly targets alleged drug boats in the southern Caribbean and Pacific, and President Trump openly threatens Venezuela with war, aiming to overthrow Maduro. To destabilize his regime, Trump has steadily increased pressure, declaring Venezuelan airspace closed in December and announcing a sea blockade for sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. This scenario also impacts other Caribbean states, particularly Cuba, which is existentially dependent on oil imports from Venezuela. Cuba is already grappling with daily power outages, fuel shortages, and an economic crisis. Many Cubans fear that further escalation will directly affect them. Cuba’s precarious healthcare system is also reliant on Venezuelan aid. For instance, 71-year-old diabetic Jose Antonio receives insulin but lacks medication for high blood pressure and eye drops for his damaged retina, a common issue in a country of severe shortages. According to the Spain-based Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), 89 percent of Cubans live below the poverty line, surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Some Cubans, like Havana vendor Marta (name changed due to fear of reprisal), believe their suffering is linked to Maduro’s regime and that the energy crisis wouldn’t exist under Hugo Chavez. She states she prefers Trump to Maduro and wishes for Maduro’s overthrow, though she also desires peace without war. Tourists are also staying away from Cuba because the US is deliberately pressuring the country and deterring foreign visitors. Washington prohibits US citizens from tourist travel to Cuba, and Europeans are denied the easily obtainable ESTA visa for the USA after a stay in Cuba. Furthermore, the US is blocking oil imports to Cuba. Cuban political scientist Carlos Alzugaray worries that the current sea blockades of Venezuelan oil tankers could worsen the situation existentially. He believes it’s unlikely, but if Trump were to overthrow Maduro and the opposition came to power in Venezuela, they would undoubtedly sever all ties with Cuba, making the process without Venezuelan oil difficult. Cuban restaurateur Johan Machín Morales fears not only indirect consequences but also Trump’s repeated announcements that Nicaragua and Cuba would follow Venezuela. He warns that the situation is delicate and could escalate at any time. Daily power outages in Cuba are already common, attributed to dilapidated infrastructure and government mismanagement, leading many Cubans to fear that their already difficult situation could become even worse.

Source: www.tagesschau.de