An Ottawa dance studio is stepping in to help as Cuba faces widespread blackouts and growing shortages. Joaquin Pineda, owner of Pure Havana, says the crisis on the island is hitting close to home. He moved to Canada from Cuba 25 years ago and opened his Ottawa dance studio a couple of years ago. “Dance is a big part of the culture for my country,” he said. “But it’s not only for the Cuban community, but we also wanted to make the studio friendly for anyone, we have many people from many countries coming in here.” Cuba is facing a deepening energy crisis as fuel shortages, U.S. sanctions and an aging power grid continue to cripple the island. In recent days, widespread blackouts in Cuba have left millions without electricity, cutting off access to food, water and medical supplies. Pineda says conditions in Cuba are getting worse for his family, who have been living without essentials like power and water. “They keep telling me how it’s getting worse, and they don’t know as well as I really don’t know where things will go from here,” he said. While he regularly sends money to family back home, Pineda says the shortages make it difficult for them to access basic necessities. “I send money on a regular basis, but the thing is my brother says, ‘yes, I have money right now, but I have nothing to buy with this money because there is no trucks coming to the store to bring food,’” he said. Last weekend, Pineda hosted a fundraiser at his studio, raising more than $1,600 for Ottawa-Cuba Connections. Pineda says the organization is able to send medical supplies and food to the country. “Now, they’re focusing more on sending solar panels because this is one of the best ways to find energy, solar energy,” he said. International aid is starting to arrive, including medical supplies and equipment aimed at restoring basic services. “That’s really what we’re talking about — solar powered medical equipment, for example — to get the water system operational again for the most affected population,” said Chiran Livera, lead for the Canadian Red Cross. “So, some really lifesaving humanitarian assistance is really the focus of the Red Cross.” Recently, Canada also pledged an additional $8 million on top of its existing support for the country. Officials in Cuba and the U.S. have held talks recently but few details have been released. But for Pineda, he says every step is about giving back. Donations can be made on Pure Havana’s website.
