A national fundraising campaign has been launched by the Peoples Forum, along with the ANSWER Coalition, the Hatuey Project, IFCO/Pastors for Peace and the Party for Socialism and Liberation to help Cuba in its recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa’s pass through the island. Organizations and individuals are urged to join in unity to make the most impact, with humanitarian aid of food, medicines and other essential needs.
Many Cuban journalists are covering the passing and aftermath of Hurricane Melissa through the eastern provinces of the island, describing the solidarity among the people, helping each other throughout the impacted regions.
As of Oct. 30, Cuba’s Civil Defense had reported that there were no deaths nor missing persons. And the government and people of Cuba — from Civil Defense, electrical, hydraulic resources and communications workers — are engaged to help recover from one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit the western hemisphere. Melissa is the third most impactful hurricane in the Caribbean’s modern history.
As always, the priority is guaranteeing the safety of the people. Cuba’s casualties are famously low as a result, with over 735,000 people being evacuated by Cuban authorities before Melissa hit. Public shelter was provided and Cubans opened their doors to neighbors and other evacuees.
It will take a short period of time before full recovery efforts can begin, to assure the safety of the workers, since downed lines, flooded areas and weakened trees could injure or kill.
Melissa devastated Jamaica with the most destruction it has ever experienced. It suffered a direct Category 5 hurricane through the main island, then headed toward Cuba as it entered that territory early Wednesday morning. Of course, before and after the eye enters and leaves, there are intense rain and winds that can cause the most damage.
Cuba wins 33rd victory at the United Nations, stands against US imperialism
The hurricane hit Cuba on the very day the United Nations General Assembly voted for the 33rd time to overwhelmingly support the UN Resolution A/80/L.6, on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.”
Despite desperate strong-arming by U.S. UN officials to UN member states to vote against Cuba, the vast majority of countries stood strong with Cuba. The vote was 165 against the blockade, seven for the blockade and 12 abstaining — a failed attempt by Washington to isolate Cuba. It is U.S. imperialism that is solely responsible for this economic war.
Official UN language refers to the U.S. policy as an “embargo,” but the term used more commonly among Cuba supporters is “blockade.” The blockade is far more encompassing than a simple trade ban. Hundreds of anti-Cuba laws and measures have been passed to inflict as much damage on Cuba ever since President Kennedy signed Executive Order 3447 on Feb. 2, 1962.
The hurricane damage is far greater, due the U.S. economic asphyxiation of Cuba. Construction materials, power plant parts to rehabilitate Cuba’s energy grid, healthcare, housing, agriculture: Every aspect of civilian life has suffered years and years of deterioration due to shortages directly caused by the U.S. economic blockade.
Currently, Cuba is experiencing a big increase in illnesses caused by three viruses spread by mosquitoes. In my visit these last two weeks, it was stunning to hear how many people have fallen prey to Chikungunya, Dengue and Oropouch. All of them cause inflamed joints, high fever, headache, exhaustion, and can last for weeks on end. While not declared an epidemic yet, it is widespread and could increase with more mosquito propagation post-hurricane.
Global warming and hotter ocean waters — driven primarily by Western capitalism — have fueled and intensified the latest hurricanes and typhoons.
Yet even with major domestic economic challenges, Cuba raises high its principled solidarity with the peoples of the world.
In October alone, some 100,000 people in Havana rallied and marched for Palestine in a highly-spirited action against the U.S.-Israeli genocide. On Oct. 13, tens of thousands gathered to express the fullest solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the latest target of U.S. imperialism. President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other leaders presided over the actions, committing fully to stand by Palestine and Venezuela.
Cuba’s socialist society, organized to put people first above all, is the key to country’s survival. Those of us in the belly of the beast bear a profound responsibility to act and help Cuba in this time of crisis. Donate now for urgently needed supplies for the Cuban people in the aftermath Hurricane Melissa!
Feature image: A 2023 march in solidarity with Cuba in New York City. Credit: Liberation photo
