Cuba receives humanitarian aid convoy defying US sanctions

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Havana: Cuba has received a shipment of humanitarian aid from the Nuestra America Convoy, an initiative led by global activists seeking to bypass U.S. sanctions that restrict fuel and goods to the island.

The aid arrived early Tuesday at Havana harbour aboard a vessel that departed last week from Progreso, delivering around 14 tonnes of food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles.

The shipment is part of a three-ship flotilla, with two additional vessels expected to arrive in the coming days. It follows another 6 tonnes of supplies flown into the country over the past week, including medical deliveries to hospitals.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently met members of the convoy at the presidential palace, including international figures such as Jeremy Corbyn.

The Nuestra America coalition brings together nearly 300 organisations from over 30 countries, including NGOs, unions, political groups and lawmakers. Activists described the delivery as an initial step, pledging further support in the future.

Despite the arrival of aid, the shipment is seen as largely symbolic in a country grappling with a deep economic crisis that has strained transport, healthcare and electricity systems.

U.S. sanctions have sharply limited fuel supplies to Cuba, with additional pressure placed on countries exporting oil to the island.

The aid effort comes amid shifting regional dynamics, with Costa Rica recently joining Ecuador in severing diplomatic relations with Cuba, adding to the country’s growing isolation.