A journalist from Cuba aims to raise awareness about the US trade embargo through two informative documentaries set to release in early 2024.
Liz Oliva Fernández explains that in every instance of reporting on news or events in the island, such as advocating for democratic reforms or the rise of private businesses following the Castros’ relaxation of control, the sanctions were always intertwined.
These sanctions, which were initially enforced 60 years ago, are the focus of Uphill on the Hill and Hardliner on the Hudson.
Oliva Fernández, who traveled to the US to promote the films she co-created, says the sanctions “have a huge impact”.
The speaker stated that the situation at hand is not simply one small Caribbean nation imposing sanctions on another. Rather, it involves a powerful empire like the United States preventing Cuba from having normal relations not only with the United States but also with other countries around the world.
She discussed the dire state of the Cuban economy.
According to her, if you are unable to conduct business with any country, if you are forced to pay significantly higher prices for goods due to purchasing from distant nations, if you are unable to use US dollars, create bank accounts, or make credit card payments, then you are left with no options.
In February of 1962, President John F Kennedy implemented sanctions as a response to Fidel Castro’s rise to power in Cuba through an armed overthrow of dictator Fulgencio Batista. The CIA had previously attempted to overthrow the regime in what is known as the Bay of Pigs incident. This was just one of many attempts to assassinate Castro.
In October of 1962, the global community anxiously awaited for 13 days as tensions rose between the United States and the Soviet Union. This was due to Nikita Khrushchev’s intention to place nuclear missiles on an island that would have been easily within reach of the US. Although the situation was eventually resolved without violence, it created ongoing hostility from Washington towards Havana that remains unresolved.
The embargo has had a severe effect. Cuba’s present GDP per person is below $10,000, which is twice as much as Jamaica but significantly lower than the US, where it stands at $70,000. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the sanctions, nations around the globe that choose to engage in trade with Cuba can face consequences. The United Nations general assembly has repeatedly voted for the lifting of sanctions. Other than a brief period when they were eased as a result of diplomatic progress with Barack Obama, they continue to be widespread.
During his presidency, Donald Trump caused a lot of backlash when he included Cuba in the group of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. Since taking office, President Joe Biden has made minimal changes to this decision.
According to Oliva Fernández, discussing the United States’ policy towards Cuba ultimately refers to the Trump-Biden Cuba policy, as they share the same approach.
Though facing difficulties, she claims that Cuba has consistently attained healthcare outcomes equivalent to or exceeding those of the US. Additionally, they have become a significant manufacturer of medications and vaccines and are renowned for dispatching medical professionals to nations such as Venezuela and Haiti, where there is a shortage of healthcare facilities and political tensions with the US often arise.
She stated that no one is brave enough to initiate a social revolution or implement a new system in the face of the United States.
Oliva Fernández, an employee of the American independent news organization Belly of the Beast, is striving to receive a response regarding the ongoing imposition of sanctions. She is keen to discover the proof that the US is using to group Cuba with North Korea, Syria, and Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
In her book “Uphill on the Hill,” Oliva Fernández journeys to Washington DC and interviews previous US government members to gain insight into the current influence of the Cuban American lobby, especially in states like Florida and New Jersey.
During a state department press briefing, a memorable moment occurs when Oliva Fernández questions the principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, about the reasons for Cuba being labeled as a sponsor of terrorism.
Patel asserts that the government has a lengthy history of severe violations of human rights, restricting free media, and suppressing civil society, among other reasons why they remain on the list. However, he neglects to provide a specific instance and denies Oliva Fernández an opportunity to ask a follow-up question.
The Guardian received a statement from a spokesperson who did not specify any actions, but accused Cuba of continuously aiding and sheltering terrorists, which is considered an act of international terrorism.
The statement also stated that we do not openly discuss or make remarks about internal discussions concerning designations.
In the upcoming Hardliner on the Hudson, which will also be available on YouTube, Oliva Fernández discusses Senator Bob Menendez’s impact as chair of the influential Senate foreign relations committee on shaping US-Cuba policy.
Menendez, who is 70 and whose parents moved to the US from Cuba in the early 1950s, was recently forced to step down as chair after being charged with taking bribes from the government of Egypt. He has denied the accusations. He had previously been charged with corruption, though that case ended with a mistrial.
During a scene in the film, Menendez declines to answer Oliva Fernández’s inquiries when she approaches him at a function to announce a legislation in support of firefighters. On another occasion, his press aide seems to become irritated.
Oliva Fernández discusses the difficulties of her experience as a Black woman in Cuba. She clarifies that she is not affiliated with the Cuban government and does not represent them in any way.
According to her, Cuba, similar to other nations, faces its own domestic issues which can be resolved within the country. However, the sanctions are beyond our control and influence.
She claims that the US is hypocritical in its dealings with countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as it does not address their human rights abuses.
She acknowledged that Cuba is not without flaws, stating at a Seattle film viewing, “We are not a perfect nation by any means. However, we are facing the challenge of building our country amidst an economic war due to US sanctions.”
Instead of addressing their own issues, Cuban authorities may be using sanctions as a way to shift the blame onto the US. To determine if this is true, it may be necessary to lift the sanctions and observe the outcome.
Source: theguardian.com
