MIAMI — Cuba’s worsening power crisis is fueling growing unrest across the island as blackouts intensify and the Cuban government says it has run out of oil because of the U.S. blockade.
The crisis is now sparking some of the largest protests seen around Havana, while many hospitals are suspending surgeries and dealing with severe medicine shortages.
“The situation is terrible,” said 50-year-old Cuban resident Maite Rodriguez. “There is nothing we can do about it; these are things that happen, and there is no solution in sight. I cannot tell you anything else because, believe me, this is very delicate. I cannot say more or tell you what I really think.”
The developments come as the U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing an indictment against former Cuban President Raul Castro, the 94-year-old brother of Fidel Castro.
Some legal experts are now questioning what could happen next and whether the U.S. could move to capture Castro, similar to actions taken against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“The message to the Cubans is very clear that a similar situation could arise with Raul Castro being under indictment and potentially extradited,” national security analyst Alex Plitsas said. “So, the message to the Cubans is clear. The pressure is on.”
CIA Director John Ratcliffe was among a U.S. delegation that flew to Havana Thursday for meetings.
One Cuban American attending the “Cuban Nostalgia” celebration at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center said he is deeply worried about relatives still living on the island.
“We have to support them every month in order for them to eat and live and for transportation it’s very difficult,” Robert Diaz said.
Diaz said he hopes Castro is eventually brought to justice.
“They have to pay for what they’ve done for many others who’ve lost their lives,” he said.
Another woman at the event, who did not give her name, said she remains hopeful about Cuba’s future.
“I wish that Cuba is free soon,” she said. “It’s just a matter of waiting and hoping things happen and the right people do their thing.”
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