PNP calls for regional support as Cuba faces mounting economic, humanitarian crisis

Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Caribbean region and the wider international community to respond with a principled and compassionate approach as Cuba confronts one of its most serious social and economic crises since the 1959 revolution.

According to the PNP, Cuba is experiencing severe energy shortages, a deteriorating national power grid, and inflation climbing above 15 per cent, while the peso continues to lose value. Public health concerns have intensified, with outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche virus exacerbated by the collapse of municipal waste collection in Havana in 2025. At the same time, key sources of foreign exchange—including tourism, international medical cooperation, and pharmaceutical production—have declined significantly, further straining the island nation’s economy.

Highlighting the longstanding ties between Jamaica and Cuba, the PNP noted the island’s support of Jamaica’s national development over more than five decades, particularly in the areas of health and education. “Thousands of Jamaicans have benefited from Cuban medical missions, scholarships, and technical cooperation, and this legacy of support must not be forgotten,” the party said.

The PNP said that as external pressures on Cuba continue to mount, affecting the daily lives and well-being of the Cuban people, it is both appropriate and necessary for the region to respond with understanding, empathy, and solidarity. “In recognising the immense contributions Cuba has made to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, it is equally important to acknowledge that Cuba is deserving of support as it faces mounting humanitarian and economic challenges,” the party added.

Emphasising the importance of regional and international engagement grounded in international law, non-interference, and peaceful cooperation, the PNP urged Caricom and countries across the region and beyond to uphold these principles. “The Caribbean has always upheld these fundamental principles, and at this time, Caricom and countries across the region and beyond must stand firmly in defence of them so that dialogue, stability, and peaceful coexistence can prevail,” the party said.

The statement reflects growing concerns across the region that Cuba’s deepening crisis—spanning economic, social, and public health sectors—has implications not only for its citizens but also for regional stability and cooperation. The PNP called for a response that balances humanitarian aid with respect for Cuba’s sovereignty, underlining the shared history and bonds that connect the Caribbean nations.