OTTAWA, Canada — New Democratic Party (NDP) parliamentary leader Don Davies warned of the humanitarian consequences of the United States’ economic blockade against Cuba and measures aimed at preventing the island from accessing fuel.
In his speech in the Canadian Parliament, Davies stated: “Access to energy can be manipulated, restricted and weaponized. We can see the consequences of that reality unfolding right now in Cuba.”
The NDP leader noted that, for more than six decades, Cuba has lived under a U.S. economic blockade that has been repeatedly condemned by the overwhelming majority of United Nations member states. He added that this pressure has intensified with efforts by the Trump administration to completely cut off the island’s energy supply.
“When fuel is cut off, hospitals struggle to operate, water systems fail, food spoils and ordinary people suffer.” he warned. “Let us be clear, this is not an unintended consequence. Humanitarian catastrophe is the objective.”
Davies highlighted the historic ties between Canada and Cuba, countries that have maintained diplomatic relations since 1945 and have built close cultural and trade ties.
The NDP parliamentary leader expressed solidarity with the Cuban people and called for the provision of immediate energy assistance to keep essential services operating.
He also underscored the importance of Cuba rapidly developing its renewable energy generation capacity in order to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and address future disruptions or restrictions to energy supplies.
“We should stand with the Cuban people by providing immediate energy support to keep essential services running while helping the country rapidly build the renewable energy capacity needed to free itself from imported fossil fuels and the threat of future energy blockades.” Davies stated.