Since the attack and kidnapping in Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump has said that “Cuba is ready to fall.”

Since the U.S. government put a blockade on Cuba in the 1960s, Cuba’s economy has slowly eroded. Cubans say that this is indeed the worst of times.

Lack of electricity powered by oil is a major problem. Venezuela supplied three-quarters of that fuel. Think refrigeration, fans, cooking and evening lighting.

Electricity is scheduled by areas for two to four hours a day. Hospitals and tourist facilities are prioritized.

Canadians and Iranians complain about high food prices. Cuba has suffered with prices more than 10 times higher than three years ago.

A bottle of cooking oil can cost a week’s wages. Families often have no milk or eggs for weeks at a time. The children and the elderly suffer the most.

But there are no homeless people. Very little alcoholism or drug addiction. Education is of a high calibre. Well-trained doctors can be seen on the day.

I blame the sanctions imposed by the U.S. for Cuba’s problems. Many in Cuba also blame government decisions.

Perhaps it is a combination. Lack of natural resources might prevent a U.S. attack.

Citizens of Cuba are lawyers, teachers, museum curators, nurses, mechanics, musicians, people of all faiths, artists and street sweepers.

These are incredibly hard times for Cubans.

Like Canadians, they are resilient, defiant and resourceful. Perhaps not “ready to fall.”

Ruth Caspell

Nanaimo

I continue to be bewildered at the sad situation at Clover Point, an iconic but struggling local........

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