In the sweltering heat of July, Cuba finds itself in the grip of a crisis that’s left its streets silent, not with the usual bustle, but with an eerie stillness. The reason? A nationwide blackout, the result of a fuel shortage that’s brought the island nation to its knees. As we watch from afar, it’s hard not to draw parallels with Malta’s own history of fuel shortages, a specter that still lingers in the collective memory of many islanders.

Cuba’s fuel crisis is a perfect storm, brewed by a cocktail of factors. The collapse of Venezuela, Cuba’s primary fuel supplier, combined with the tightening of US sanctions, has left the island with dwindling fuel reserves. The government has been candid about the situation, admitting that fuel has ‘run out’, leading to widespread protests and blackouts that have lasted for hours at a time.

In the capital, Havana, the streets are a mix of anger and despair. Residents, many of whom rely on electricity for their livelihoods, have taken to the streets, their chants echoing through the city. “Freedom!” they cry, a sentiment that resonates with Malta’s own struggle for independence.

For Malta, Cuba’s crisis is a stark reminder of our own past. In the 1970s and 80s, fuel shortages were a regular occurrence, a consequence of the island’s dependence on imported fuel. Long queues at fuel stations, rationing, and blackouts were a part of everyday life. The memory of these times is still fresh in the minds of many Maltese, a testament to the resilience of our people.

Take, for instance, the fuel shortage of 1971. The lines at fuel stations stretched for miles, snaking down Triq San Gwann and all the way to the roundabout at Msida. The government imposed rationing, with drivers limited to just 10 litres of fuel a week. It was a tough time, but it brought out the best in us. Neighbors helped each other, sharing what little fuel they had. It was a test of our mettle, and we passed with flying colors.

Cuba’s crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of energy independence. Malta, too, has learned this lesson the hard way. In the wake of the 1970s shortages, the government embarked on a ambitious project to harness the power of the sun. Today, Malta boasts one of the highest rates of solar energy production per capita in the EU. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still more to be done.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Malta must continue to invest in renewable energy. We must strive to reduce our dependence on imported fuel, not just for economic reasons, but also for our security. We must remember the lessons of the past and use them to shape a more sustainable future.

As for Cuba, the road ahead is uncertain. But one thing is clear: the people of Cuba are resilient, just as we Maltese are. They will weather this storm, just as we did ours. And when the lights come back on, they will be stronger for it.

“We’ve been through tough times before,” says Malta’s Minister for Energy, “and we’ve always come out stronger. It’s a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, we can overcome them. That’s the Maltese spirit.”