Cuba’s Fuel Crisis: A World Away, Yet Close to Home

Malta, July 2021 – As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, we’re thousands of miles away from Cuba, yet the island nation’s fuel crisis feels alarmingly close. In Havana, streets are eerily quiet, not due to siesta, but because cars are off the roads. Cuba’s government has announced that fuel has ‘run out’, leading to blackouts and protests that have across the Caribbean.

Fuel Shortages: A Lingering Problem

Cuba’s fuel crisis is nothing new. The country has been grappling with shortages for decades, a result of U.S. trade embargoes and its own economic struggles. But this time, it’s different. The pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with tourism – a major income source – at a standstill. Add to that, the Trump administration’s tightening of the embargo, and you have a perfect storm.

In Havana’s Plaza de la Catedral, usually bustling with tourists, locals now gather to protest. They’re not just upset about the blackouts; they’re angry about the government’s handling of the crisis. “We’re not against the revolution,” says Maria, a 50-year-old teacher, “but we need change. We need electricity.”

Malta’s Ties: More Than Tourists

Malta and Cuba might seem worlds apart, but they share more than just a love for sunshine and sea. The two islands have a history that stretches back centuries. From the Knights of St. John to the Cuban Revolution, their paths have crossed numerous times. Today, Malta is home to a small but vibrant Cuban community, many of whom have family back on the island.

For Maltese Cubans like Antonio, the news from home is worrying. “I haven’t been able to speak to my family in weeks,” he says, “The lines are always busy. I just hope they’re okay.” Antonio runs a small café in Paceville, where he serves Cuban coffee and pastries. He worries about his family, but also about the impact the crisis could have on his business. “Tourism is our lifeline,” he says, “If Cuba can’t attract tourists, it’s bad news for everyone.”

What’s Next?

The Biden administration has hinted at a review of the U.S. policy towards Cuba. For many, this is a glimmer of hope. But for now, Cubans are left to cope with the blackouts and the uncertainty. In Malta, we watch and wait, our thoughts with our Cuban friends and family, and with the island that’s so far away, yet so close to our hearts.

“We’re not asking for much,” says Maria, “Just enough electricity to keep the lights on, and enough fuel to keep our cars running. We just want to live our lives.”

As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, we’re reminded that while we’re thousands of miles away from Cuba, we’re not immune to its struggles. After all, an island is only as strong as its connections.