In a grand display at Havana's Palacio de las Convenciones, Miguel Díaz-Canel led a gathering alongside the participants of the Nuestra América Convoy. This initiative, organized by Progressive International, brought together approximately 650 individuals from 33 nations under the banner "Cuba is not alone."
On his X account, the leader appointed by Raúl Castro described the event as overflowing with "love and respect" and expressed gratitude that attendees covered their own travel and accommodation costs.
Among the attendees were former Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, ex-British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Colombian Senator Clara López, activist Hasan Piker, and the Irish rap group Kneecap. This gathering occurred amidst one of the island's most severe economic and energy crises in decades.
Before the assembly, Díaz-Canel, often referred to as "handpicked," declared, "We will lay down our lives defending the Revolution," thanking the convoy's members for paying their expenses, calling it "a beautiful lesson in dignity and humanism that heroic Cuba appreciates and will never forget."
The Origins of the Convoy and Its Mission
Progressive International launched the convoy in February 2026, a response to the worsened energy crisis after Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, when the Trump administration halted Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba.
The initiative mobilized over 20 tons of aid: last Tuesday, a flight from Milan delivered more than 4 tons of medicines and solar equipment valued at over 500,000 euros. Yesterday, a vessel named "Granma 2.0" set sail from Yucatán, carrying 30 tons of food, medicine, and solar panels, expected to arrive today.
Distribution Concerns and Connections
The Cuban state agency ICAP is responsible for distributing the aid, raising concerns about whether supplies truly reach the people or instead strengthen the regime. This issue is significant, as Progressive International maintains direct ties with Havana: Mariela Castro, Raúl Castro's daughter and director of Cenesex, serves on its advisory board.
Such political theatrics starkly contrast with the grim reality for everyday Cubans. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Cuba's economy might shrink by 7.2% in 2026, marking a 23% decline since 2019. The national power grid collapsed in a massive blackout last Monday, and satellite images indicate a 50% drop in electricity consumption.
Public Sentiment and International Reactions
About 80% of Cubans believe the current crisis surpasses the hardships of the 1990s' Special Period, a sentiment starkly at odds with the optimism portrayed at the Palacio de las Convenciones event.
Reactions are sharply divided. From a luxury hotel in Havana, Pablo Iglesias downplayed the situation, stating it’s "certainly difficult, but not as portrayed from outside." A Cuban intellectual associated with the Boca Ciega collective criticized the "solidarity performances" with the regime and the "folklorization of misery."
Garry Kasparov was more direct on X: "Why not exchange these idiots for an equal number of Cubans who wish to live in the free world?"
Cuban Kiele, responding to Greta Thunberg—who described the sanctions as a "brutal act of collective punishment"—succinctly stated: "The suffering of the Cuban people results directly from the Cuban state's mismanagement. The Castro regime and its military apparatus are worth billions, while the average Cuban struggles to find scraps of food in the street."
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Energy Crisis
What is the Nuestra América Convoy?
The Nuestra América Convoy is an initiative by Progressive International, aimed at supporting Cuba during its energy crisis by delivering aid from various countries.
Why is Cuba experiencing an economic crisis?
Cuba's economic crisis is due to a combination of factors, including government mismanagement, a collapse in foreign aid, and an energy crisis exacerbated by political changes in Venezuela.
How has the international community reacted to Cuba's situation?
International reactions are mixed, with some supporting Cuban government efforts while others criticize the regime's handling of the crisis and the humanitarian impact on the Cuban people.