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Cuba’s Top Diplomat to U.S. Notes Blockade Hurts Black Americans and Cubans Alike

July 8, 2025

Cuba's Deputy Director of U.S. Affairs Johana Tablada delivered a critique of current U.S. policy toward Cuba during an interview at Black Press USA headquarters, describing the relationship as "at a low point" characterized by "maximum aggression" from the U.S. government. She highlighted that since January 20, the U.S. has imposed more than a dozen unilateral coercive measures against Cuba, including Trump's recent National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) that restored restrictions and strengthened the economic embargo. Tablada specifically criticized Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism as "based on lies," noting how this status prevents the country from receiving essential supplies and financial transfers.

Who is affected

  • Cuban citizens facing shortages of oil, medical supplies, and financial transfers
  • Cuban athletes and scientists denied visas for U.S. events, including the Cuban Olympic Committee's president
  • Cuban international medical missions operating in 56 countries
  • Cuban tourism industry and energy sectors
  • Cuban youth
  • African Americans who have historical solidarity with Cuba
  • The people of both the United States and Cuba seeking peace

What action is being taken

  • The Trump administration is implementing sanctions and restrictions against Cuba through a National Security Presidential Memorandum
  • The U.S. government is actively blocking vessels from delivering oil to Cuba
  • The U.S. is pressuring other countries to deny Cuba tourism access
  • Cuba is continuing to operate international medical missions in 56 countries
  • Tablada is engaging with the Black Press of America to share Cuba's perspective

Why it matters

  • The policies create hardship for Cuban citizens by restricting essential supplies
  • The designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism makes it nearly impossible for the country to receive oil, medical supplies, or financial transfers
  • The current approach reverses the diplomatic progress made during the Obama administration
  • The situation impacts long-standing solidarity between Cuba and the African American community
  • The Cuban government views these policies as unilateral economic warfare rather than diplomacy
  • The restrictions affect Cuba's ability to participate in international events like the Olympics

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer