During a meeting with the Cuban community resident in the Midlands region of the UK, updated information was shared on the national situation in Cuba, including the impact of the energy crisis and the effects of the blockade.
A representation of Cubans living in the Midlands region met with the Counsellor for Consular Affairs, Ivian Alfonso, who visited the city of Birmingham with the aim of strengthening contact with the Cuban community in this locality, which also includes the cities of Coventry, Hereford, Lichfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton and Worcester.
During the exchange, the participants discussed important issues such as the new legislation on Immigration, Foreigners and Citizenship, adopted last July by the Cuban National Assembly. In addition, guidance was offered on the current regulations for the importation of non-commercial products, and consular advice was provided on various procedures.
The community expressed their interest in receiving first-hand information on the Cuban reality, highlighting the importance of these meetings. Many Cubans joined online, which made it possible to extend the information to a larger number of interested people, especially on issues such as the country's energy situation and the worsening difficulties due to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
Those present reiterated their firm condemnation of the blockade and expressed their deep appreciation for the efforts of Cubans living abroad, whose support and solidarity contribute significantly to mitigating the effects of this unjust policy. The representatives of diplomatic mission reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with the community to maintain the flow of information and mutual support for the benefit of the Cuban people.
The meeting was also an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable support of the Cuban community in Birmingham in the campaign to send two containers of medicines to Cuba. This action of solidarity takes on special relevance in a context marked by the difficulties imposed by the blockade, which continues to affect the well-being of the Cuban population, especially in sensitive sectors such as health.