Cuba’s Humanitarian Crisis: The People’s National Party has urgently called on the Jamaican Government to respond swiftly to the dire humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
The party spokesperson on Foreign and Regional Affairs, Dr. Angela Brown Burke, said Cuba badly needs help and support. She questioned the absence of an announcement of plans for aid or assistance from the Jamaican Government.
Dr. Brown Burke emphasized that this is a crucial moment for Jamaica to reaffirm its commitment to a nation with strong and enduring bilateral ties.
“When friends were few and far between for Jamaica and much of the Caribbean, Cuba gave aid in whatever manner it could, whether it was in healthcare, sports, education, or construction. Therefore, we must not leave them now in their time of need.”
She urged the Jamaican Government to arrange assistance quickly, to help alleviate Cuba’s humanitarian crisis.
Dr. Brown Burke highlighted that over the last forty years, Cuba has granted many full scholarships for Jamaica’s medical professionals to study in Cuba. This ongoing support is crucial in the context of Cuba’s humanitarian crises. Further, she said Cuba has sent many of its nationals to strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare system significantly.
“These healthcare professionals have served our system with precision and excellence, and many have made Jamaica their home or second home. Our entire athletic program and worldwide acclaim of athletes can be attributed to Cuba. Because of its technical support and the gift of GC Foster College for training our athletes and sports administrators for schools throughout the island,” she said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith, in a post on X, expressed sympathies and solidarity as Cuba battles an island-wide blackout. The problem, part of Cuba’s broader humanitarian crisis, was further worsened after the country was affected by Hurricane Oscar, which caused at least seven deaths.
Mrs. Johnson Smith, while noting that Jamaica’s embassy was also affected, said it is seeking to continue providing services within constraints.