THE CUBA BLOCKADE
Why Continue Economic Sanctions?
“Some people say the blockade isn’t a big deal, that our economic problems are only caused by our government, or socialism. If that’s true, why don’t they lift the embargo?”
-Liz Olivia Fernandez, Cuban Journalist
2023 broadcasts on Link TV :
• Sunday Jan 1 — 5:00pm PT (8:00pm ET) & 8:00pm PT (11:00pm ET)
• Monday Jan 2 — 9:00am PT (12:00pm ET) • Tuesday Jan 3 — 6:00am PT (9:00am ET)
OVERVIEW
In this episode, first broadcast in March 2021, an independent journalist looks at the impact of six decades of U.S. sanctions, from the point of view of many of Cuba’s 11 million citizens.
Despite the embargo, the socialist country survives; there is free education and a world-class medical system. But sanctions have seriously restricted resources to fight the COVID pandemic.
Episode Preview
ORIGINS
Journalist and Episode Host, Liz Olivia Fernandez
BELLY OF THE BEAST
This Global Mosaic episode was adapted from episodes 1-3 of the web series The War On Cuba, produced by BELLY OF THE BEAST , an independent production company in Havana.
Episodes 1-3 of The War On Cuba show the impact of increased U.S. sanctions under President Trump and examine the political and electoral interests driving U.S. policy.
Season Two of The War On Cuba (episodes 4-6) investigates the mysterious health incidents reported by U.S. personnel in Havana, explores Cuba’s economic crisis leading to nationwide protests in July 2021, and critiques President Biden’s current Cuba policies.
LEARNING RESOURCES
CURRENT CUBA - U.S. RELATIONS
Watch: Update on the effect of current US sanctions, reported by Liz Olivia Fernandez in Havana.
Watch: “U.S. Issues New Sanctions Against Cuba” - NBC News.
ORGANIZATIONS
CODEPINK is a women-led organization working to end U.S. militarism, support human rights, and redirect tax dollars into life-affirming programs.
The Solidarity Collective builds transnational grassroots solidarity to resist policies that contribute to violence, poverty and oppression in the Americas.
ANSWER Coalition: Hands Off Cuba - the coalition fights for social justice at home, and opposition to war and occupation abroad.
The Saving Lives Campaign sponsors U.S.-Cuba-Canada medical collaboration in fighting COVID-19.
HISTORY OF CUBA - U.S. RELATIONS
Watch: “A Brief History of America and Cuba” - Vox.
Explore: A timeline of US-Cuba relations by the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations.
Watch: ABC News’ history of U.S. - Cuba relations.
Watch: “US & Cuba: A turbulent relationship” - BBC News
Watch: The Cuban Missile Crisis began with a photograph - Vox.
DOCUMENTARIES
Watch: “Fidel Castro on Face the Nation”
Watch: “Has Cuba really changed?”
Watch: “Our House in Havana”
All Global Mosaic programs stream on this website, and at www.LinkTV.org.
Watch Link TV live or via satellite on DIRECTV channel 375 and DISH NETWORK channel 9410.