Caribbean Owes a Duty to Cuba, Says Barbadian Diplomat

2026-02-19 - 13:15

Barbados’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), David Comissiong, has called on Caribbean governments and citizens to mount a meaningful humanitarian response to Cuba’s worsening crisis, arguing that regional solidarity now demands action. In a public letter, Comissiong described the situation in Cuba as a severe humanitarian emergency, stressing that the long-standing relationship between Cuba and CARICOM creates both a moral and historical responsibility for Caribbean nations. “In light of the special relationship that has existed between Cuba and CARICOM for more than five decades, it most definitely demands a response,” he said. Humanitarian Concerns and Economic Pressure Comissiong pointed to escalating economic pressures facing Cuba, including efforts by the administration of Donald Trump to restrict oil supplies critical to the island’s energy grid and infrastructure. The tightening measures, he argued, have intensified shortages affecting electricity, food distribution, and access to medical supplies. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that economic reforms could provide Havana with a pathway toward easing sanctions, though specific conditions have not been outlined. Meanwhile, international assistance has begun to arrive. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently confirmed that humanitarian shipments, including aid delivered by Mexican vessels, would continue, while emphasizing respect for Cuba’s sovereignty. Appeal to Caribbean History and Solidarity Comissiong urged Caribbean citizens to remember a defining moment in regional diplomacy when four Caribbean leaders, Eric Williams, Michael Manley, Forbes Burnham, and Errol Barrow, established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1972, defying international isolation policies at the time. That decision, he noted, laid the foundation for decades of cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, disaster response, sports, and cultural exchange across the Caribbean. According to the ambassador, Cuba has provided invaluable assistance to CARICOM countries over the years, particularly through medical missions and scholarship programmes that trained thousands of Caribbean professionals. Call for Global Action Beyond the region, Comissiong also appealed to the international community to provide tangible support. He highlighted that for more than three decades, the United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly voted in favour of ending the U.S. embargo against Cuba, with most countries supporting the resolution annually. He urged major global powers, particularly permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, to move beyond symbolic votes and help supply Cuba with essential resources such as oil, food, and medical equipment. A Regional Responsibility Comissiong concluded that Cuba’s crisis extends beyond one nation, warning that the broader principles of multilateralism and international law are also at stake. “We all owe a duty to Cuba,” he said, calling for governments and citizens alike to contribute humanitarian support and reaffirm Caribbean unity during what he described as a moment of profound need.