The Spanish NGO Open Arms arrived in Cuba on Sunday aboard its sailing vessel Astral, delivering seven tons of humanitarian aid to a children's hospital in Havana. The mission was carried out as part of the "Rumbo a Cuba" (Course to Cuba) campaign, launched in partnership with more than 150 political and social organizations.
The Astral departed from Barcelona in May and sailed approximately 6,200 nautical miles to Cuba, transporting a cargo of solar panels, replacement batteries, and medical supplies. The shipment was made possible through the collective efforts of more than 4,000 individual donors, who contributed over €160,000 (US$182,816) to finance the initiative.
The donation is intended to provide energy autonomy to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the intermediate care unit, and the clinical laboratory of the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana.
During the welcoming ceremony for the humanitarian mission, Óscar Camps, Spanish activist, founder and director of Proactiva Open Arms, told the media that the initiative represents "a modest contribution made by the organization with the support of the Spanish people" to raise awareness of the humanitarian consequences of the U.S. blockade against the Caribbean nation.
He also praised the Cuban people, stating: "You continue to resist and endure an inhumane blockade. You are the true heroes, and the message I bring from my country to the Cuban people is that you are not alone. This is only the beginning, and we hope others will follow this example."
Referring to the economic and energy blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, Camps added: "We are living through an extremely difficult moment due to a blatant violation of international law, human rights, and international agreements."
The Catalan activist also stressed the importance of "bringing greater visibility to the challenges Cuba is facing" and expressed hope that the initiative would "inspire empathy among other organizations and encourage them to collaborate and undertake similar efforts."
Earlier this year, in March, Cuba also received the "Nuestra América Convoy," a flotilla that departed from Mexico carrying 14 tons of solar panels, medicines, and food intended to help mitigate the severe impact of the U.S. embargo and the island's ongoing energy crisis.
(Source: Cubadebate-teleSUR)
(EmbaCuba Bahamas)