Port of Spain, February 23, 2026. On Monday morning, Cuban Ambassador Gustavo Veliz Olivares was interviewed on the morning program of WESN Content Capital television station, broadcast by cable in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean.
In his remarks, the diplomat denounced the Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 29 and its harmful impact on the daily lives of the Cuban population, stemming from the imposition of a total blockade on fuel supplies to Cuba. The Ambassador emphasized that the Executive Order intensifies sanctions and measures against Cuba by the Government of the United States, further tightening the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade that has been maintained for more than six decades.
The diplomat also expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by various organizations in Trinidad and Tobago and highlighted the importance of maintaining and expanding bilateral relations. He reiterated Cuba’s willingness to offer cooperation to Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries.
The Ambassador was accompanied by David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ). In his remarks, Abdulah reaffirmed solidarity with Cuba and firmly spoke out against the blockade and President Trump’s Executive Order of January 29. Abdulah also defended Cuba’s electoral system and democracy, and underscored the significance of the bilateral relations maintained with Cuba since 1972. He further advocated for Caribbean unity and the defense of its relations with Cuba, in light of the 50th Regular Conference of CARICOM to be held in Saint Kitts and Nevis from February 24 to 27.
Abdulah also invited the public to participate in the solidarity event with Cuba scheduled for March 1st at the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union headquarters in Port of Spa6in. The event has been convened by social organizations, including: Warao Community of San Fernando, Black Agenda Project, Caribbean Pan Afrikan and Indigenous Movement, Emancipation Support Committee, Movement for Social Justice, and Trinidad and Tobago Friends of Cuba.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)
