Norris McDonald | Cuba’s BRICS bid breaks America’s brutal blockade!

CUBA’S RECENT inclusion in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) alliance marks a historic turning point. Cuba’s BRIC membership was championed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and was finalised during Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel visits to Russia in May 2024.

This development breaks through the 60-year-long economic blockade imposed by the United States, offering Cuba an opportunity to finally escape the crushing economic and financial isolation that has plagued the island for decades.

The US blockade against Cuba has been in place since the early 1960s, aiming to cripple Cuba’s sovereignty and restrict its economic development. The effects have been devastating, with the United Nations estimating the cost to Cuba at over US$1.1 trillion.

Despite the immense suffering caused by this embargo, US policy has remained unchanged, with only modest adjustments under the Clinton and Obama administrations.

President Donald Trump, reimposed harsh anti-Cuban measures. And these harsh policies were continued under the Joe Biden administration.

BRICS A STRONG GAME CHANGER IN WORLD AFFAIRS

Cuba’s membership in BRICS signals a pivotal shift, not just for the island but for the broader Caribbean and Latin American region. Cuba now has access to the New Development Bank. This will enable it to secure low-cost loans and development assistance further helping Cuba overcome the American stranglehold.

This is a true game-changer, offering Cuba the opportunity to diversify her economic partnership.

The significance of Cuba’s BRICS membership extends far beyond its national borders. BRICS has grown into a powerful global force, now accounting for over 36.7 per cent of the world’s GDP – surpassing the G7 nations in economic output.

As the US and Western countries face economic stagnation and political instability, BRICS represents a viable alternative for nations seeking to escape Western dominance.

Cuba’s inclusion in BRICS is about more than just economic opportunity; it represents national self-respect. For decades, US foreign policy has been marked by coercion, sanctions, and the imposition of economic and political control over countries that refuse to comply with American demands. This ‘God complex’ mentality has led to wars, political instability, and mass migrations.

By contrast, BRICS operates on principles of mutual respect and non-interference. The political and economic diversity within BRICS – spanning different political systems, cultures, and religious norms – promotes a more equitable global order.

Cuba’s membership challenges the long-standing belief about ‘American exceptionalism’: one that impose ‘democracy’ and ‘capitalism’ on poor nations of the world, through military might.

CUBA’S STRONG MORAL COMPASS AND RESILIENCE

Despite the immense hardships caused by the US embargo, Cuba has managed to develop a robust economy increasingly independent of the United States. Its biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare system, and educational programmes are internationally recognised.

Cuba’s focus on self-sufficiency has allowed it to weather the storm of isolation. This is a testament to the strong moral compass and resilience of the Cuban people.

As BRICS grows, the region may increasingly recognise the advantages of diversifying their economic partnerships. The US has long been the dominant force in the Caribbean, but with shifting global dynamics, the region is now better positioned to explore more equitable alliances.

THE AMERICAN SANCTIONS HAVE FAILED

Cuba’s membership in BRICS signals the dawn of a new era in international relations. It is a direct challenge to outdated policies of American imperialism and offers a vision for a more just and balanced world order.

The cruel American imperialist sanctions have failed to achieve their desired political and economic objectives.

The Cuban people demonstrated true grit, national patriotism, and international brotherhood over the years, as they have worked against the brutal grindstone of America’s ‘One Don’ imperialist blockade.

This clearly shows that when a nation and its people have a strong moral compass, and political vision, they can overcome any obstacle put in their way.

Cuba has managed to develop a remarkably successful medical and biopharmaceutical sector. Despite the inability to import vital medicine and medical equipment Cuba’s has made remarkable achievements.

In 1989 Cuba became the first country to develop meningococcal B and C vaccine, VA-MENGOC-BC. This was an outstanding achievement as Cuba offered an effective solution to tackle meningitis which plagues young babies and children in many nations including the United States.

As a medical and drug giant, Cuba’s leading pharmaceutical group, BioCubaFarma, manages over 2,660 patents globally.

Despite the US blockade, Cuba COVID-19 developed during the recent pandemic, and had a higher effectiveness rate than others developed by Western countries, according to the British Medical Journal.

Cuba’s COVID-19 and other vaccines have benefited nations and people worldwide. Cuba has even sent a medical mission to help Italy, a G-7 nation that is within the Western imperialist bloc.

Furthermore, Cuba has provided medical assistance to over 162 countries since 1962, offering solidarity to other nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, and several countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

BRIGHT PROMISING FUTURE

BRICS members can now engage in trade with Cuba outside the dominance of the US dollar, allowing Cuba more freedom to expand its economy and pursue new international partnerships.

Cuba’s future is indeed promising. This vibrant, thriving island nation, now a member of BRICS, stands as a beacon of hope for countries that seek to break free from the constraints of imposed economic and political dominance.

This is a triumph for the Cuban people. After years of suffering due to the harsh American blockade, Cuba is finally seeing a chance to break free from the chains of imperialist economic policies.

Norris McDonald is an economic journalist, political analyst, and respiratory therapist. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and miaminorris@yahoo.com.