Cuban President Diaz-Canel interview on NBC Meet the Press and transcript. The questions NBC asks are a good example of corporate media reporters acting as agents of the US rulers’ talking points and demands.
Resumen Latinoamericano: A Ship Owned by the Turkish Company Karpowership Will Supply Power to Cuba Following the second total collapse of the national grid in a short period, which left nearly 10 million people without electricity, the Cuban government has turned to the Turkish model of floating power plants for their ability to offer quick and effective solutions, according to Yeni Akit Gazetesi. The Belgin Sultan vessel, already docked in the Port of Havana, will serve as a “lifeline” for an aging island infrastructure suffering from severe fuel supply problems. The Karpowership fleet, selected to address the energy deficit, consists of high-tech power plants installed on ships.
TeleSur: Another Russian Oil Tanker En Route to Cuba The oil tanker, Universal, departed in early April from a port on the Baltic Sea and on April 8 crossed the English Channel accompanied by a Russian frigate. This shipment represents political support from Russia and assistance in the face of the US oil blockade. This new shipment strengthens the strategic ties between the two countries, demonstrating international solidarity in the face of the external limitations Cuba is facing.
Belly of the Beast Cuba: U.S. Lawmakers Pramila Jayapal & Jonathan Jackson Speak in Cuba U.S. lawmakers Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) traveled to Cuba at a critical time for the island. Cuba is grappling with a deep economic crisis, fueled by U.S. “maximum pressure” sanctions and an oil blockade. “This is an act of war that our country must stop,” stated Jackson.
TeleSur: Venezuelan Massive March Commemorates 24 Years Since Triumph of 2002 Coup Attempt Venezuela on April 13 commemorated the 24th anniversary of the April 2002 coup attempt against the government of Hugo Chávez, a date marked by dignity, collective memory and the triumph of popular resistance. Caracas witnessed widespread mobilizations as thousands commemorated the Day of National Dignity, spearheaded by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), reaffirming the profound loyalty of its militancy and the enduring legacy of Commander Hugo Chávez.
This day of remembrance underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to self-determination and the principles of the Bolivarian Revolution. The participation of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and other high-ranking officials underscores the institutional backing for this popular expression of dignity and resilience. The march serves as a clear message to both domestic and international audiences that the Venezuelan people remain steadfast in their pursuit of an independent and socialist future, built upon the foundations laid by their historical leaders. Venezuela demonstrates, once again, that popular resistance stands as the most potent shield against any attempt at domination.
TeleSur: OFAC Partially Lifts Venezuelan Bank Sanctions After A Decade The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced a significant easing of sanctions against Venezuela, granting licenses that permit the Central Bank of Venezuela and three other state-controlled financial institutions to operate within the U.S. financial system. This marks the first time since 2017 that these entities will be able to process, pay, and move money through the international financial system, opening a wide array of previously prohibited transactions. While these authorizations permit specific transactions and engagements previously restricted, official documents clarify that they do not constitute a total lifting of existing sanctions. They prohibit any transaction involving entities or citizens of Russia, Iran, North Korea and Cuba. The measure also excludes companies controlled by the People’s Republic of China and individuals on the Specially Designated Nationals list.
Mision Verdad: Venezuela Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on the economy and sanctions: Announcements and measures She indicated that, by the end of 2025, real GDP would be only 35.7% of the size it was in 2012, that the Venezuelan economy, in real terms, is 64.3% smaller than in 2012, therefore, it is an economy that generates less real net income. According to the president, the year of the peak decline in real GDP was 2020, at 24.9%. Since then, there has been moderate growth in this indicator, although it remains far from reaching its historical peak and point of greatest prosperity. Rodríguez emphasized that the decline in real GDP is directly linked to the decline in the value of national exports, down 91% between 2012 and 2020, a situation clearly associated with the boycott of hydrocarbon activities through sanctions and blockades.
Delcy Rodríguez pointed out the national minimum wage has recovered its nominal value, rising from $30 in October 2021 to its current value of $190. However, at the same time, the purchasing power of the minimum wage has deteriorated significantly. Acting President Rodríguez indicated that on May 1 she will announce a “responsible” increase in the minimum wage for workers. One particularly worrying statistic is the ratio of contributors to pensioners. In the country, there are 5.3 million active workers contributing to the system and 6.2 million retirees and pensioners.
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Upcoming Events:
April 19 webinar: Sanctions Undermine Children’s Right to Health – Teach-in & Toolkit Launch Americas Without Sanctions will present its new teach-in materials to explain how the US blockades of Cuba and Venezuela undermine children’s right to health. We demand that the US Government Stop Killing Children with Sanctions.
April 19 (Ottawa): National Day of Action for Cuba and to make donations
April 23 webinar: Resisting US/Israeli Wars from Venezuela and Cuba to Gaza, Iran and Lebanon with Vets for Peace members Ann Wright, Josh Shurley and Gerry Condon; also Leonardo Flores and Angela Marino
May 1, Chicago: Report on Nicaragua Today– the social and political work helping the poorest of the poor. With Sarah Woodard of the Jubilee House Community
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Delegations to Cuba, Nicaragua:
Cuba – Video: Yes You can Travel to Cuba
Witness for Peace 2026 delegations to Cuba
Friendly Planet delegations to Cuba
Nicaragua
Casa Ben Linder Email casabenjaminlinder@gmail.com to apply:
July 2026: Solidarity in Action: Nicaragua’s Popular Revolution
October 2026: Salud & Solidaridad: Hands-On Healthcare in Nicaragua
Now offering Spanish classes! Fun and practical language classes at Casa Ben Linder – our
model teaches 1/2 day class & 1/2 day practice in a community setting.
Chicago ALBA Solidarity 