UDP Condemns US Pressure to Choke Cuba as “Collective Punishment”

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has warned that fresh United States measures aimed at cutting off fuel supplies to Cuba would amount to “collective punishment” and risk severe humanitarian harm.

The Opposition said threats to electricity and fuel supplies would undermine healthcare, water systems, food storage and transport.

“Actions designed to deprive an entire population of energy are not ‘targeted’ measures. They amount to collective punishment,” Panton said.

Pressure mounted over the weekend after US President Donald Trump publicly told regional suppliers to halt oil shipments to Cuba.

Mexico, now Cuba’s main oil lifeline, confirmed on Sunday it will send humanitarian aid to Havana and has pushed for a diplomatic solution.

“Belize should add its voice to the call for diplomacy and for solutions that protect ordinary people,” Panton added. “Political disagreements must never be prosecuted through policies that risk mass suffering… We cannot normalise cruelty. What we permit to be done to one people today can be attempted against another tomorrow.”

Panton called for a coordinated CARICOM response and reaffirmed solidarity with the people and government of Cuba.