Havana, Cuba — Mandy Pruna, a classic car driver, reflects on a past filled with tourists and excitement. In 2015, when then-US President Barack Obama reestablished diplomatic ties with Cuba, visitors flooded the island. Pruna’s bright red 1957 Chevrolet was a popular choice for those looking to explore the city. Celebrities like Will Smith and Rihanna enjoyed rides with him. That time felt alive, with new businesses sprouting and homes getting fresh coats of paint. “It was the best era for tourism in Cuba,” he recalls warmly.
Today, though, Cuba faces a profound economic crisis like never before. With new policies from the Trump administration, the flow of oil has drastically decreased. This situation has crippled Cuba, leaving it without the fuel essential for its economy.
Current U.S. policies have cut off many of Cuba’s traditional fuel supplies. As a result, now Pruna faces the crippling impact of lost tourism and fuel shortages. “I need gas to work. I need tourists,” he says, clearly concerned.
Life on the island is grinding to a halt. Schools have closed, and many businesses have shut their doors. Hotels that once buzzed with activity now remain empty, as international flights are canceled due to fuel shortages. Even annual events, like the Habanos cigar festival, have been halted, leading to significant revenue losses.
With diminishing resources, reports indicate that dumps overflow with trash, classrooms remain silent, and residents often find themselves navigating power outages. At night, Havana transforms into a dark expanse, where stars shine brightly in a sky rarely seen due to city lights.
This predicament isn’t merely a local concern; experts warn it might lead to a humanitarian crisis. Many of Cuba’s food supplies are imported, a fact that raises alarm given the present situation. Historical ties illustrate that Cuba has often relied on foreign support—first from the Soviet Union, followed by Venezuela. But with these subsidies gone, the island’s vulnerabilities are laid bare.
Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican congresswoman from Florida, argues that tougher measures are needed against the Cuban government. She believes that halting tourism and financial support is essential to push for change, despite the immediate suffering this might cause for everyday Cubans. “It’s a heartbreaking dilemma,” she acknowledges.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has asked citizens to adopt a “war-time mentality,” urging creative solutions. He noted that without enough fuel, transporting food between regions will become even harder. This has led vendors like Anayasi in Havana to raise prices as they struggle to keep their supplies fresh. “It will be terrible; we won’t have anything,” she worries.
Mandy Pruna is considering a tough choice: leaving Cuba for Spain. After 20 years earning a living driving tourists, the future is now uncertain. “If I need to pay for gas in dollars, how do I even recoup that?” he asks, reflecting the overwhelming challenges he faces.
As Cuba navigates these turbulent waters, it remains crucial for the world to pay attention. The situation is complex, with economic hardships and political nuances intertwining, and the hope for a brighter future feels distant.
