In a display of international solidarity, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have joined forces to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba and Venezuela. Diaz-Canel recently visited Santiago de Cuba, where he commended the tireless efforts of local brigades and national teams working to restore essential services in the hurricane-stricken regions. He highlighted the resilience of communities in El Cristo and El Caney, describing them as ‘full of history and courage.’ Meanwhile, Venezuelan brothers, dispatched by President Maduro, have been actively assisting in recovery operations, symbolizing the strong bond between the two nations. On social media platform X, Diaz-Canel expressed gratitude to the Venezuelan people for their support. Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero also emphasized the importance of solidarity, noting the continuous distribution of national and international donations to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and underweight children. Provinces and municipalities have prioritized delivering basic food supplies like rice, peas, and oil to the most affected areas. Beyond material aid, Marrero underscored the Cuban people’s intrinsic value of sharing resources, acknowledging the contributions of non-state actors, businesses, and citizens. With key infrastructures severely damaged, Cuban authorities have implemented innovative measures to expedite the restoration of essential services.
