What we know about Cuba today:
First, we must thank you for all the messages, emails, and concerns for Cuba. We, likewise, are concerned about the Cuban people. We hope that change gets better for the people of Cuba.
3/16/26
This last week:
Blackouts in Cuba have begun to get longer and longer. This change is most notable in Havana. At times areas are without electricity for up to fifteen hours a day. As noted before this is not just a matter of no lights, but in addition, no refrigeration, the ability not to have any fans working in very hot conditions and at times no water as pumps cannot function.
Gas took another jump with the price of a gallon of gas now about $34.00 a gallon.
Protests have erupted across the country with even a communist headquarters being burnt down. This is dangerous for the Cubans who are participating in these activities.
The president of Cuba went on Cuban television and for the first time admitted that he is in negotiation with the United States.
The United States has said that Cuba has agreed to allow American businesses to invest in the country. We cannot confirm this fact.
Our goal presently:
We began sending Delta flow batteries into Cuba to help families have some power during blackouts.
We are in plans to stock the maximum amounts of medicine in Cuba to make sure our dispensaries have what they need to survive.
We are sending weekly food shipments into the provinces of Cuba that were hit by the hurricane a few months ago as well as some shipments in the greater Havana area.
We continue to support families financially to minimally keep them going with the bare necessities..
We continue to have weekly communication with doctors, pastors and our staff members in Cuba assuring we are getting the latest information and needs out of Cuba.
We continue to be grateful to you, the followers and the many donors who have sent us money these past months. Your responses have been incredible and have gone a long way to meet the needs of the Cuban people. Thank you
3/9/26
Air France, the last European airline to fly to Cuba, announced they will make their last flight March 31.
That will put an end to most all tourism from Europe.
Almost three-fourths of the island just experienced a 72-hour blackout. No electricity, and in some areas, no pumped water, as well as no natural gas for cooking.
Gas continues to rise weekly for cars and transportation. Almost emptying the streets of vehicles completely.
Public transportation is almost nonexistent.
Most Cuban physicians working in other countries had to return to Cuba. Those countries are nervous about what sanctions we will place on them if they continue to use those physicians.
The lack of food and medicine continues.
Our government says they are close to negotiating with Cuba to open the country. Although many articles from reputable papers and journals say the same, we cannot confirm where that might be in the process.
Roughly one-half of all the hospitals are closed due to lack of power; most have very few supplies, even to function. The medical school has closed the classroom portion of training.
Many hotels have shut down to conserve energy and because of the lack of tourists.
Airlines that needed to refuel in Havana have stopped all flights, including most out of Europe, Canada, and many other parts of the world. This is causing a drastic decrease in tourism.
Roads are blocked because of trash that is no longer being collected.
Food costs are at an all-time high for the most basic items.
Lindsey Graham says that after Venezuela and Iran, “Cuba will be next.”
The list goes on and on.
We will continue to travel as long as it is permitted. We will focus on shorter, weekend trips to supply needed medicines, food, and money to those in the greatest need. Presently, the Cubans’ lives are more difficult than we have seen in 27 years of First-Hand Aid’s work there.
Thank you for caring and supporting our friends in Cuba.
