Background on ALBA and its Members
The Alternativa Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestro América (ALBA) is a leftist bloc established in 2004 by then-leaders Fidel Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela. The group aims to promote social, economic, and political integration among its member countries: Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Granada.
Cuba’s Energy Crisis
Cuba, facing a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the U.S. embargo, struggles with a shortage of foreign currency affecting essential services. The country is grappling with a critical energy deficit, particularly in electricity generation, due to insufficient fuel supplies.
Venezuela, a significant ally of Cuba, provides around 5% of its oil to the island nation in exchange for goods and services. This support has been crucial in maintaining Cuba’s energy supply.
ALBA’s Response to the Crisis
On December 10, the U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Caribbean, carrying petroleum destined for Cuba. The Cuban government denounced this act as directly impacting its power grid, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
In response, ALBA leaders convened a virtual summit for the bloc’s 21st anniversary, led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas. The group approved the creation of an International Energy and Electricity Mission to “completely restore electricity” in Cuba, supporting the nation amidst its struggle against the U.S. blockade and energy-related challenges.
Key Actions and Impact
- ALBA leaders agreed to form an International Energy and Electricity Mission to aid Cuba.
- The mission aims to provide extraordinary support to the Cuban people in their fight against the U.S. blockade and energy-related issues.
- Venezuela, a key ALBA member, supplies Cuba with approximately 5% of its oil in exchange for goods and services.
- The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, impacting Cuba’s energy supply and prompting the ALBA response.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is ALBA? The Alternativa Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestro América (ALBA) is a leftist bloc established in 2004 by Fidel Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, promoting integration among its member countries.
- Why is Cuba facing an energy crisis? Cuba’s economic crisis, exacerbated by the U.S. embargo, has led to a shortage of foreign currency affecting essential services, including electricity generation due to insufficient fuel supplies.
- What is the ALBA’s response to Cuba’s crisis? ALBA leaders agreed to create an International Energy and Electricity Mission to support Cuba in restoring its electricity supply amidst the U.S. blockade and energy challenges.
- How does Venezuela support Cuba’s energy needs? Venezuela supplies approximately 5% of its oil to Cuba in exchange for goods and services, which is crucial for maintaining the island’s energy supply.
