Trump’s measures against Cuba: another step toward strangulation

With new restrictive measures taking effect this Thursday, the United States government has taken another step in its attempt to stifle any chance for Cuba to breathe amidst an unprecedented unilateral blockade.

These measures now also target the private sector and place obstacles in the way of travel to the island. Which was already restricted, but the solidarity movement with Cuba in the United States will continue to organize in defense of the country’s right to self-determination, activist Cheryl LaBash told Prensa Latina.

“It is time to end the oil blockade and the entire web of lies, laws, and executive orders that make up the U.S. blockade.” Said the co-chair of the National Network on Cuba, a coalition comprising more than 60 groups and organizations.

LaBash urged those who oppose these strangulation policies to contact their representatives and senators in the federal Congress and demand that they support bills HR7521 and S136 (the U.S.-Cuba Trade Act).

She also called on people to join the NoWaronCuba.com campaign to find ways to show solidarity with the Caribbean nation during the Week of Action, running from October 24th to 31st.

These activities will coincide with the presentation of Cuba’s report on the need to end the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade against the island at the UN General Assembly.

As happens every year—this time marking the thirty-fourth occasion—a vote will be held on a resolution calling for the lifting of the blockade. A measure that has consistently received overwhelming support from the international community.

“Cuba is not alone; let Cuba live,” LaBash emphasized, referring to the various campaigns supporting the largest of the Antilles. The Department of the Treasury amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR)—in effect since July 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy Act. To implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 of May 1st. This order expanded sanctions aimed at cutting off Cuba’s access to international trade.

Under these measures, effective September 30th, banks subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from conducting “U-turn” banking transactions. Authorization for U.S. banks to maintain accounts for Cuban private-sector entrepreneurs is revoked; and permits for travel to meetings or conferences in Cuba are cancelled.

These restrictions are part of the Trump administration’s brutal policy of “maximum pressure”—or “maximum aggression.” As island authorities describe it—pursued since January of this year. At that time, the Republican president declared a national emergency regarding Cuba. Claiming the country posed a threat to U.S. national security, and subsequently imposed a stringent oil embargo.

On his X account, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that “these new blockade measures aim to hinder the ongoing process of economic transformation.”

He emphasized that both the public and private sectors are being openly attacked. Including the very private sector that some U.S. officials claim they wish to help develop.

With information from Prensa Latina