Plagued by blackouts and a stagnant economy reliant on tourism, Cuba’s quality of life is at an all-time low. The U.S blockaded oil in late January, and the lack of fuel is forcing residents to depend on help from abroad.
Now America is threatening force. Countries like Russia and Mexico have been trying to send shipments to the island, but their ships have been intercepted by U.S. naval ships.
This has resulted in relentless blackouts, gas appliances being rendered useless, and thousands losing their jobs.
Some residents are surviving by relying on family and friends who have immigrated to North America and Europe.
“Cuba’s development has practically stopped during the last 70 years,” says Omar Estevez, a Cuban native who immigrated to Miami in 2016 and now sends packages to his brother and nephews monthly. “Which is why it is so necessary for the people over here to send goods over there.”
Local delivery and postal services are experiencing major delays of many goods, including essential goods like food and medication. Solar-powered tools have become popular.
“Every day they have more limits, less money, less resources.” says Ana Acosta, an immigrant who has been living in the U.S. since 2022
