A coalition of eight former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government has issued a forceful condemnation of United States policy toward Cuba, characterizing recent executive actions as “inhumane weapons of mass destruction” that are deepening a humanitarian crisis on the island nation.
The distinguished group, comprising former presidents and prime ministers from across the region, specifically targeted the Trump Administration’s January 2026 executive order that imposes punitive tariffs on nations providing petroleum to Cuba. This policy has exacerbated existing fuel shortages that have crippled transportation, healthcare, and basic services for Cuba’s 11 million citizens.
Among the signatories are former Guyanese President Donald Ramotar, along with former prime ministers Freundel Stuart (Barbados), Edison James (Dominica), Tillman Thomas (Grenada), Bruce Golding and PJ Patterson (Jamaica), Dr. Kenny Anthony (St. Lucia), and Dr. Keith Rowley (Trinidad & Tobago).
The former leaders framed their statement within historical context, recalling the landmark 1972 decision by four Caribbean nations to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba in defiance of hemispheric isolation policies. They highlighted Cuba’s five decades of solidarity with the region through medical assistance, educational scholarships, and disaster relief provided without expectation of reciprocity.
The statement emphatically rejected the doctrine that “might makes right,” arguing that economic warfare waged over ideological differences is as morally reprehensible as military aggression. The leaders endorsed findings by UN human rights experts that the US executive order violates international law and called for immediate repeal of measures undermining Cuba’s access to essential energy resources.
In parallel developments, an international humanitarian initiative dubbed ‘Nuestra America Convoy to Cuba’ is preparing to deliver critically needed supplies to the island via air, land, and sea routes starting March 21. The coalition, which includes Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among its supporters, aims to circumvent the US blockade with shipments of food, medicine, and essential goods.
Mexico has already demonstrated regional solidarity by dispatching aid ships from Veracruz in February, while maintaining diplomatic channels with Washington regarding the oil embargo. This emerging pattern of international resistance signals growing regional determination to address what Caribbean leaders term an unprecedented humanitarian challenge.