Mexico and Uruguay Send Food, Hygiene Supplies to Havana by Sea

HAVANA (AP): A vessel carrying relief supplies from the governments of Mexico and Uruguay reached Havana on Monday, part of efforts to relieve mounting hardship across Cuba.

The consignment left a Mexican port and carries personal hygiene products plus roughly 1,700 tonnes of grain, powdered milk and other staples, Cuban state media reported in an official statement.

Alberto López Díaz, who leads Cuba’s food industry portfolio, said the delivery lands “at a time of great economic hardship, exacerbated by the tightening of the blockade imposed on our country by the United States government.”

Relations between Havana and Washington have grown more strained. The United States has stepped up pressure while pursuing charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro over his alleged involvement in the 1996 shoot-down of four aircraft flown by the Miami-based exile organisation Brothers to the Rescue. At the time, Castro held the post of defence minister.

In a separate statement, López Díaz said Monday’s cargo would be shared “with the utmost responsibility and respect,” with first call on children, older adults and households in greatest need.

Past Mexican deliveries have been promoted openly as gestures of support for a close Caribbean partner. By contrast, officials in Mexico have offered scant public comment on Monday’s consignment, which landed after several weeks of sharper friction with Washington.

Mexico’s foreign affairs ministry and the president’s office did not answer requests for further information.

Cuba’s economic and power troubles have worsened this year. A United States military operation in Venezuela in early January disrupted vital oil flows from that country. Later that month, US President Donald Trump warned he could levy tariffs on nations that sell or ship fuel to the island.

Fuel remains scarce and rolling power cuts still affect much of the country.

Dozens of Havana residents turned out as the ship tied up. Reiniel Morales, 52, was among those watching.

“Anything that comes in is good,” he said. “We have to find a way to counteract the blockade. And if there are any ships left in the world, the best thing they can do is help Cuba. Because it’s the Cuban people who are suffering.”

Morales said none of the earlier Mexican assistance sent this year has reached him yet, though he believes his household will benefit eventually.

“The time will come when it will be my turn. I have two elderly people at home, my father and mother,” he said.

Niurvis Fabre, a 52-year-old teacher, also welcomed the new shipment.

She does not expect a share herself because of her age, but said she is satisfied “as long as the aid goes to the people who really need it.”