ANTIGUA | Pringle calls on Govt to give humanitarian assistance to Cuba

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — In a pointed challenge to the government's apparent inaction, Opposition Leader  Jamale Pringle has called for immediate humanitarian assistance to Cuba, as the island nation grapples with widespread power outages and infrastructure damage in the wake of Hurricane Oscar.

The devastating combination of an already fragile electrical grid and the hurricane's impact has plunged much of Cuba into darkness, prompting the United Progressive Party (UPP) to demand a robust response from Antigua's government.

"As our Caribbean neighbour, Cuba is in dire need of immediate support, and we have yet to hear of any concrete plans for aid or assistance from the Antiguan Government," Pringle stated, highlighting what he characterized as a troubling silence from official channels.

The Opposition Leader emphasized Cuba's decades-long role as a cornerstone ally in Caribbean development, particularly noting its contributions to Antigua's healthcare sector. "Over the past four decades, many of Antigua's medical professionals have received full scholarships to study in Cuba, significantly strengthening our healthcare system," he said, adding that Cuban medical personnel have been "integral to our public health services."

In what observers view as a strategic reminder of diplomatic obligations, Pringle underscored Cuba's historical reliability during regional crises. "When Caribbean nations faced tough times, Cuba was one of the few countries that consistently offered support, whether in healthcare, education, sports, or infrastructure development," he noted.

The UPP's call to action culminated in a clear directive to the government, urging immediate mobilization of relief efforts. Pringle insisted that "Cuba and its people should be reassured of the unwavering friendship and solidarity of the people of Antigua and Barbuda."

This development comes as regional observers increasingly scrutinize Caribbean nations' responses to Cuba's mounting crisis, with some viewing Antigua's response as a test of regional solidarity in times of emergency.

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