Cuban Embassy Denounces US Blockade Tightening & Persecution of Those Who Help

ByArturo Sánchez Jiménez

This article by Arturo Sánchez Jiménez originally appeared in the January 28, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Mexico City. At the José Martí Cultural Center, the diplomat emphasized that even the shipment of fuel and food to Cuba is currently being “criminalized.” “Who could possibly think it’s a crime for a ship to enter Cuba with food, with fuel that we use for lighting, cooking, and transportation?” she asked, arguing that the U.S. measures aim to prevent any basic commercial activity on the island.

The United States “persecutes anyone who might help Cubans,” stated Johana Tablada, deputy chief of mission at the Cuban embassy in Mexico, on Wednesday, denouncing the tightening of the blockade and new actions that, she said, seek to suffocate the island. At a ceremony commemorating the 173rd anniversary of José Martí’s birth, Tablada, speaking on behalf of Ambassador Eugenio Martínez—who was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances—asserted that the Cuban people will follow the example of their national hero in defending the island’s right to choose its own destiny.

Tablada asserted that the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States not only remains in place but has intensified in recent years, directly impacting the daily lives of Cuban families. He stated that Washington “is doing everything necessary to impoverish Cuba, destabilize it, and regain its dominance,” while simultaneously persecuting third countries, banks, and companies that attempt to maintain normal relations with the island.

The diplomatic representative linked this policy to a long history of aggression against Cuban sovereignty, from the imposition of the Guantanamo naval base to the current unilateral coercive measures. She affirmed that, in the face of this scenario, the figure of José Martí continues to be a source of inspiration for resistance. “Martí gives us strength to resist and overcome today, in the midst of the greatest adversity,” she said, highlighting his anti-imperialist thought and his defense of the dignity of the peoples of the Americas.

In her speech, Tablada also explicitly thanked Mexico for its historic stance against the blockade. She acknowledged the Mexican government’s constant support in international forums and the solidarity of the Mexican people with Cuba. “We are very grateful to Mexico for its unwavering support and its constant calls to end the abuse that the blockade represents against the Cuban people,” he said.

She maintained that Cuba will continue to pursue a “civilized and respectful” relationship with the United States, but without relinquishing its sovereignty. “Do not mistreat us, and we will not mistreat you. Respect us, and we will respect you,” he said, quoting Martí.