Cuba is currently facing a dire situation with the last of the country’s oil reserves predicted to run out within 20 days. This is already impacting hospitals and local industry, with every Cuban being affected with the impact of rolling electricity blackouts of up to 15 hours. Hospitals are running on generators and food shortages are emerging across the country due to lack of transport and means of refrigeration. This reality has emerged as a direct result of the decades-long U.S imposed blockade upon Cuba, and intensified by Washington’s most recent operation to strangle Cuba of its oil supplies from Venezuela.
The recent military operations to destabilise Venezuela and decapitate the head of the Bolivarian revolution was a key play in the U.S next step in reasserting Yankee imperial dominance over Latin America. Cut off the oxygen (Venezuelan oil) to the anti-imperialist nations of the global south, strangle their economies, and ferment counter-revolution. It’s the same playbook we are seeing in Iran. After they kidnapped President Maduro and Flores they boasted of what was to come for Cuba, it will be the next domino in the ‘Monroe Doctrines’ sights. If their word is to be trusted on what follows Cuba: then Mexico, Colombia, and all other allies of the Bolivarian Revolution have much to fear.
Cuba has existed as a beacon of anti-imperialism and socialism for decades, inspiring the working-classes the world over. Since its inception the Cuban socialist project has faced down the beast of Yankee Imperialism with immense resistance – thwarting both military invasions and colour-revolutions – the Cuban people have weathered the storm and defended their revolution. Despite the severe limitations imposed upon it, it has achieved monumental advancements for the world in medicine, producing life-saving drugs and exporting doctors across the globe wherever needed. Even now the resiliency of the Cuban people is shining, with stories emerging of how the people are adapting electrical bikes and producing home-made wind turbines from old car alternators, alongside other improvised means of solar and renewable energy.
We must not let Cuba stand alone, it cannot fall. What is then the duty of anti-imperialists here in Ireland? Breaking Ireland’s role in the international chain of imperialism. Just like in our solidarity with Palestine, U.S companies and diplomatic institutions within Ireland must all become legitimate targets for civil disobedience. Their presence in Ireland must be ostracised and evicted, this is only true material solidarity worthy to the Cuban people.
