By: Patrick M. Denny, 2L
Throughout this year, Cuba has been dealing with large-scale issues in sourcing food and producing energy. Power outages have been affecting millions of residents due to deteriorating infrastructure, the US embargo, and a decline in fuel imports from allies like Russia. Issues in providing energy and food were exacerbated by the impact of hurricanes Milton and Oscar. Energy and food shortages have limited government food rationing and stalled public transit; conditions are said to be worse than the “Special Period” of the 1990s. These failures have led the Cuban people to the streets. In March large-scale protests occurred and in October protests resumed as the island’s power grid continued to fail. Protesting in Cuba is largely discouraged, despite the constitution granting the right to protest. However, laws delineating the specificities of the right to protest have not been passed, leaving the implications of protesting ambiguous.
The Cuban government blames the US for its current food and energy shortages, citing the embargo as the reason necessary resources are blocked from entering the country. Although the US embargo allows food and medicine to be exported to Cuba, credit is denied to the nation, requiring cash payments for any products imported from the US. As food prices soar, the inability of Cuban farmers and suppliers to import US agricultural products on credit hinders supply, and the US does not import agricultural products from Cuba, cutting off a potential revenue stream for the island. Although the Obama administration softened trade restrictions, the Trump administration increased sanctions against the nation. However, President Biden has eased these restrictions again, expanding financial opportunities for Cuban businesses.
Regarding Cuba’s energy crisis, the Cuban government claims the embargo prevents the import of necessary parts to maintain the country’s ailing energy infrastructure. However, Cuba’s energy problems also stem from the drop in crude oil imports to Cuba. Longtime ally Venezuela has decreased its fuel supply to Cuba, while Russia has ceased operations completely. Even Mexico paused oil shipments for months during its election season but has since resumed business as usual.
Beyond external factors, policies of the Cuban government have also contributed to its struggle. Its centrally-planned economy has stagnated for decades, and although moves for economic stimulation were implemented via the elimination of the dual-currency system, inflation soared, further diminishing the value of the Cuban peso. The impact of these changes have led to consistent protest; however, many protestors are labeled as dissidents and consequently jailed or exiled.
Yet, protests continue to erupt throughout Cuba, especially as Hurricane Rafael passes through the island, with food shortages ongoing, and power restoration still incomplete. External factors have exacerbated Cuba’s problems, but as highlighted by the passage of a new constitution in 2019, it is ultimately up to the government to change its policies to create a positive future for its people, one with ample food and energy.
