Havana, Cuba. Two Mexican-flagged ships loaded with humanitarian aid entered Havana Harbor early on Thursday, according to a Reuters witness. The delivery follows Mexico’s pledge to assist Cuba after Washington threatened tariffs on countries that send oil to the island.
Ships arrive with aid cargo
One of the ships, the Papaloapan, carried large quantities of white-wrapped pallets on its deck as it passed beside the El Morro castle before entering the harbor.
Mexico’s government said later in the day that the ships set sail from the port of Veracruz with more than 814 tons of supplies destined for Cuba’s civilian population.
Supplies detailed by Mexico
Mexico said the cargo included liquid and powdered milk, meat products, cookies, beans, rice, tuna in water, sardines and vegetable oil, as well as personal hygiene items.
Context of U.S. pressure and Cuban rationing
The shipment arrives days after Cuba’s communist-run government announced increasingly strict rationing measures amid U.S. efforts to cut off the country’s fuel supply.
Washington in January threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, saying Cuba poses an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security, a claim Havana denies.
Mexico announced the aid delivery after halting shipments of crude and refined products to Cuba in mid-January under pressure from the Trump administration.
Local reaction and further shipment planned
Ediberto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old Havana resident and state worker, watched the ships enter the harbor and praised Mexico for what he called an “unforgettable gesture.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that her government will send a second shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba in the coming days.
What impact do you think the aid shipment will have on Cuba’s current rationing measures?