The worsening of blackouts and fuel shortages make it increasingly difficult for many operations in the country to continue.
MIAMI.-The wave of internal instability that Cuba is going through, along with a tense geopolitical situation, has led several diplomatic missions and subsidiaries of foreign companies to discreetly review their contingency and evacuation strategies, according to the agency. EFE.
The decision to update these protocols occurs amid an escalation of pressure from Washington after the capture of the Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro by US forces, a fact that has fueled regional uncertainty and affected Cuba’s relations with key allies.
Diplomatic representatives from various European and Latin American countries have begun to modernize their evacuation plans, reviewing the lists of citizens residing on the island and, in several cases, directly contacting their compatriots to verify data. “It is our responsibility to review the plans and prepare scenarios,” said a diplomat in Havana on condition of anonymity.
In addition to anticipating possible exit procedures, some legations are organizing to face prolonged electricity, water or fuel cuts—eventualities that have become increasingly frequent in Cuba and that could worsen if the crisis intensifies.
Not all embassies consider, for now, that it is necessary to activate emergency protocols, although several say they remain on alert for any future deterioration in conditions.
Business uncertainty and rethinking of operations
The concern is not limited to the diplomatic sphere. Several subsidiaries of multinationals with operations on the island have privately admitted to the agency that they are reevaluating their activities in the face of two simultaneous pressures: the possibility of a US military intervention, although limited, and the direct impact that the marking has. Cuban economic deterioration in production, logistics and supply.
The worsening of blackouts and fuel shortages make the continuity of many operations in the country increasingly difficult, according to business sources. Although some companies have fuel reserves, they fear that the definitive cessation of shipments from Venezuela and Mexico make productive activity on the island unsustainable.
One of the most striking cases is that of the British multinational Unilever, which, according to two sources close to the company, has already proceeded to evacuate the families of its foreign workers in Cuba. The company, which manufactures hygiene, cleaning and beauty products in the country, has not offered public statements about the measure so far.
