Belize Joins Efforts to Send Relief Supplies to Cuba

Belize has joined regional efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba, contributing approximately two hundred and fifty thousand dollars’ worth of relief supplies as part of a joint aid shipment coordinated with the Government of Mexico and delivered to the Caribbean nation over the weekend.  According to reports from Havana, a vessel carrying roughly one thousand seven hundred tons of food and humanitarian supplies collected in Mexico and Belize successfully docked in Cuba, bringing much-needed assistance as the island continues to grapple with severe economic and energy challenges.  Love News understands that Belize’s contribution was organized through the Government of Belize and included a range of essential items such as cleaning supplies, canned goods, batteries, flashlights, medication, and other humanitarian necessities. Sources indicate that a significant portion of the shipment was intended to support Belizean students currently studying in Cuba, as well as staff attached to Belize’s diplomatic mission in Havana.  Minister responsible for NEMO, Henry Charles Usher, says the decision to provide assistance reflects Belize’s longstanding friendship and cooperation with Cuba, particularly at a time when many Belizeans residing on the island are being affected by ongoing hardships.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “Of course, you know, Belize and Cuba have long been friends. And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the one that I believe put together the assistance with Mexico and making sure that it goes toward those in Cuba who need the assistance. I don’t know what all was composed in a package but certainly I’m happy that we’re able to help out our sister nation in Cuba.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged the shipment, expressing gratitude to both Mexico and Belize for what he described as a gesture of solidarity at a challenging time for the Cuban people.  Belize and Cuba have maintained diplomatic ties for decades, with Cuba playing a significant role in the training of Belizean professionals, particularly in medicine, nursing, and other health sciences.