Hard times aren't’ new to the people of Cuba it’s been going on for many years but in recent days their resilience has been tested.
Winkler's Giselle Brito was born in Cuba and was a university professor there. She has lived in Canada for sixteen years, the last ten in Winkler, and serves as the learning coach for Regional Connections.
She explained several things that have compounded the on-going problems for people living on the island in the Northern Carribean Sea.
She thinks God is challenging her people because they are so strong, and they always survive.
“For the last while, it's been harder and more difficult for the population in Cuba. One of the reasons is because it is not just that we have up to 34 hours without power, it is also the American blockade is harder. It is also the hurricane. It is recently the earthquake, so it's been one thing after another, and it is really difficult for our people.”
Blackouts have become more regular and for longer periods of time. This is particularly difficult for the most vulnerable people like seniors, children and the impoverished.
“Well, imagine food. There is no refrigerator available, so it is hard for people to keep the little bit that they get as food to last longer. And then from there, we do have power in hospitals. So that's good. The population, imagine the weather in Cuba is really hot, they are having sleeping problems, people are depressed.”
Hurricane Rafael hit the island recently causing flooding in some areas. She described what it is like for Cubans to lose their homes, community centres and malls or receive major damage from the flood.
She said there is no insurance for this type of loss. Some people have families who live in other countries who can send money to help but many don't.
“Basically, when you lose something, you lose what you have. One thing about Cubans is that when we have situations like this, we just ask the population to donate, and they do. But it's basically clothing, food, but it's no furniture or anything like that.”
With homes still waiting for water to recede in homes, a 6.8 earthquake hit the island over the weekend.
“A lot of houses are in bad shape right now. Some of them are really destroyed. The same Cubans are trying to donate and but once again, donations are not enough because once you lose your house, basically you don't have any way to rebuild it or to build a new one.”
Financially, Brito noted the country is struggling and not receiving the support from other countries they need.
Right now, Brito said the lack of power is affecting everyone on the island the most. Even those with more resources are finding it difficult to cope.
Brito sees many needs throughout the world and doesn’t feel comfortable asking for help for her country but did outline a few ways to support people living there.
“There are organizations out there that they do send donations to Cuba. There are people that travel to Cuba as tourists, and they bring a lot of supplies and help. So, if anybody in the community is able to do so, please join those organizations, keep traveling to Cuba. Cuba is a safe country so far. I would say we are all one world, we all need to be together and help each other no matter where you live.
Tears came to her eyes when asked why do you love your country?
“Why do I love Cuba? Because it's my country. They are in my heart.”