SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 YPSILANTI Ending the blockade on Cuba Blockade, sanctions or embargo? Blockade according to Google is an act or means of sealing off places to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. Blockade, sanctions, embargos are all the same — measures put in place to penalize a country or nation, from a more powerful country or nation. These words we hear quite often on the news, but do we really know the effects of these actions designed to ultimately cause despair? The question is, why do powerful nations like the United States impose blockades? It’s simple: to impose their will. The United States currently has Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria under blockade. Over the last 75 years, the nation of Israel has had a blockade that has worsened throughout the decades on the Palestinian people in Gaza. Russia’s Black Sea port blockade on Ukraine is an attempt to hurt Ukraine’s trade and economy. Global food shortage is an example of the unintended outcomes of blockades. These blockades hurt bystander countries/nations who trade or do business with these countries. Russia backed off some of the Ukraine blockade when there was an outcry from developing nations who depend on Ukraine’s wheat to stave off famine. Less than 100 miles south of the U.S. mainland, Cuba officially became a socialist communist state on April 19, 1961. Fidel Castro declared revolutionary socialism, following the defeat of the Bay of Pigs invasion. The blockade on Cuba caught my attention, because of the devastating results to a people and nation that most people don’t hear or talk about. The people of Cuba have been under this blockade since 1959. In 2009 President Barack Obama lifted the travel ban, and in 2014 announced the United States would resume relations with Cuba, thereby removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list. When WALKING from last page city, looking for the best places to sell Denver VOICE, but trying to make shelter curfews can hinder his ability to work. “Shelters, they stop taking people in at 8, and shelters are dirty,” he said. “I’ve gotten sick in shelters. They don’t feel safer than the street.” Even when he’s made the effort to get in, shelter space isn’t guaranteed. “Sometimes, I wait in line and don’t get in,” he said. “Sometimes I get sent to Holly Street, but if I miss the bus or have trouble with transportation, I limit financial transactions between the United States and Cuba, including restrictions on remittances and "U-Turn" transactions. Restrictions on Cuban Companies: The United States restricts transactions with Cuban companies, particularly those managed by the armed forces. Human Rights Sanctions: The United MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Donald Trump assumed office in 2017, he overturned the progressive actions of the Obama administration, and eventually reinstated stringent sanctions. During the final days of his term, President Joe Biden initiated the process to remove Cuba from the SSOT list, but again Trump reversed the process immediately upon taking office for his second term in January 2025. The United States maintains comprehensive economic sanctions against Cuba, including restrictions on trade, travel and financial transactions. These sanctions, which have been in place for decades, aim to influence political and economic changes in Cuba. While some exceptions exist for humanitarian purposes and other specific activities, the overall effect is a significant limitation on economic engagement between the two countries. Key aspects of the sanctions Trade Embargo: The United States maintains a broad trade embargo against Cuba, restricting most forms of trade and commercial activity between the two countries. Travel Restrictions: Travel to Cuba citizens and residents by U.S. is restricted, with limited exceptions for family visits, official business, journalistic activities and other specific purposes. Financial Restrictions: Sanctions don’t get in, and I get stuck out there. It can take half of the day to try to get into a shelter, and there are no promises.” Walking the streets also leads to another problem: hunger. Jones says that he walks so much that he is always looking for food. But surviving the streets has taken a toll. “I feel like every week out here ages you a year,” he said. The hardest part, he says, is the relentless toil of it all; the way each day is consumed with just preparing for the night. “I either try to find a place that is safe, and I can hide through the Local efforts to end the blockade At the Ypsilanti Human Relations Commission (HRC) Meeting on night, or I try to prepare myself to be awake all night. Neither is any good, and it wears on you.” Sometimes, when the exhaustion is too much, Jones turns to alcohol to force sleep. He doesn’t like turning to alcohol, and he avoids harder drugs, but without access to safe housing and medical care, he doesn’t have other options. “Sometimes, you feel so sick from not sleeping, you have no choice. You go to the liquor store so you can pass out all night. But that ain’t any good either,” he said. “That ain’t any kind of sleep.” From time to time, Jones saves enough money to spend a night or two at a motel, but as Denver changes, there are fewer and fewer low-cost hotels that he can turn to. Still, each day, Jones shows up. He continues selling papers. “I just keep trying, and I’m not going to quit. I hope if I work hard enough, something will break my way.” Courtesy of Denver VOICE / INSP. ngo States has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in Cuba. IThe sanctions have had a significant impact on the Cuban economy and quality of life, limiting access to goods, services and financial resources. Cuban citizens have faced challenges in accessing essential goods, including medicines and medical supplies, due to the restrictions on trade. The sanctions have also impacted the Cuban government's ability to engage in international commerce and development. There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness and humanitarian consequences of the sanctions. Cuba relief efforts involve both international and national organizations providing aid in the form of food, water, medical supplies, and shelter, particularly following natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Key actors include United Nations agencies like UNICEF, international NGOs such as Catholic Relief Services and Handicap International, and religious groups like Send Relief and the International Republican Institute. These efforts focus on disaster response, health, sanitation and strengthening local capacity to respond to future crises. People in Michigan are working on relief efforts for our brothers and sisters in Cuba. August 21, 2025, the Michigan Action for Cuba Committee presented their case to end the blockade, to have Cuba removed from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, and to return Guantanamo Bay to Cuba. HRC passed a reccomendation to have the resolution put on Ypsi City Council's agenda. The intended resolution, if passed, will hopefully move through the Michigan State legislators to the U.S. Congress and finally the Oval Office for the President’s signature. The City Clerk Tracey Boudreau failed to put the resolution on the agenda for the September 9, 2025 Ypsilanti City Council meeting. Tuesday September 23, is the next City council meeting, and we will see whether or not the Cube resolution has been put on the agenda. Michigan Action for Cuba Committee is a part of The National Network On Cuba which is a U.S.-based umbrella organization composed of more than 60 organizations advocating for an end to Washington’s hostility towards Cuba, especially the inhumane U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. There is a precedence of similar legislation in Michigan. Resolutions have been passed by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Wayne County Board of Commissioners, Detroit City Council, Meridian Township and the State of Michigan Senate. This blockade has been in place for over six decades. The Michigan Action For Cuba Committee and National Network On Cuba continue to advocate the end of this blockade, so Cuba, the United States, and other nations can benefit from one another's goods and innovations. Join MACC at Ypsi City Council Tuesday, September 23 at 7 p.m.! 1 South Huron, Ypsilanti. End the blockade! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5
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