The U.S. energy blockade on Cuba has caused extreme damage to the country and its people through the deprivation of a resource used to keep the energy grid up and running – namely, oil. The blockade that the U.S. has imposed has led to sweeping shutdowns to the Cuban power grid. There is no power throughout the country for 22 hours in a day, leaving people with only two hours of electricity daily.

It is important to mention the impacts that this truly implies, meaning that fuel for vehicles is also in extremely short demand. This means that ambulances cannot run. The lack of power means hospitals struggle to remain in operation.

Ever since the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, the U.S. has been in a longstanding trade war that has not been lifted. Prior to the blockade, sanctions were imposed on Cuba, which prevented trade with the U.S., but did not have nearly as big an impact as the current blockade. The attack on Venezuela targeted Cuba as well, due to the longstanding trade of oil from Venezuela.

The stated reasons for the blockade and general embargo has been to topple the Cuban regime, but considering the harm being caused to the people, the blockade becomes pointless. Additionally, many times in which the Cuban people protested against their government, the root cause for their displeasure was U.S. action.

This blockade is something that society needs to stand up against. For humanity’s sake, this blockade must end.

Brennyn Smith
Eugene