Washington, Oct 2 (News Agencies). – Concerned leaders and activists in the United States have made an urgent call in its Sunday edition of the New York Times, demanding that Biden temporarily lift sanctions and allow Cuba to purchase urgently needed supplies for its rebuilding after being hit by powerful Hurricane Ian.
Biden needs to act right now to help the Cuban people. Hurricane Ian caused great devastation. The power grid was damaged and the electrical system collapsed. More than 50,000 homes have been completely destroyed or severely damaged.
The People’s Forum movement managed an urgent statement in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, in which it reiterates to the Government that «it needs to act right now to help the Caribbean people.»
The text underlines that the economic, commercial and financial blockade prevents Havana from obtaining the necessary resources, when it faces a major setback due to Ian, who hit the territory last Tuesday and left the electrical network damaged, homes destroyed, damage to crops and important economic items as well as problems in water supply.
«Although the law authorizes North American entities and organizations to provide aid and response in cases of disaster, it is proven that it is not that easy, since there are long and complex processes to receive licenses that often require expensive lawyers,» the document refers.
Similarly, it points out how the inclusion of Cuba on the List of States that, according to the White House, sponsor terrorism, means that banks both in the United States and abroad are reluctant to process any transaction, including humanitarian donations.
«It is inconceivable at this critical hour to maintain the blockade and collectively punish an entire people,» the message stresses, while asking Biden to put aside Cold War politics, «even for six months!»
«The Cuban people are part of our family, the human family,» he adds, insisting that «The time to act is now!»
After Ian’s passage, the People’s Forum shared the link to a site to receive donations and contribute to relief efforts for Cuba, as well as the Puentes de Amor solidarity project, focused on the purchase of food, drugs and medical equipment.
"An Island on a Continent" 