The 'Astral' sailing boat from the NGO Open Arms has arrived in Havana with seven tonnes of medical supplies and solar panels, funded by over 4,000 donors. The 'Rumbo a Cuba' initiative set sail from Barcelona in May after raising more than 160,000 euros.
The 'Astral' sailing boat from the NGO Open Arms has completed its solidarity journey to Havana, where it delivered seven tonnes of humanitarian aid for the Juan Manuel Márquez paediatric hospital. The 'Rumbo a Cuba' initiative, which departed from the port of Barcelona last May, has covered 6,200 nautical miles with a cargo of solar panels, spare batteries, and medical supplies.
The project has been made possible thanks to more than 4,000 donors, who have contributed over 160,000 euros to finance the cargo and the journey. The expedition has received support from over 150 social and political organizations, and upon arrival on the island, they were welcomed by representatives of the Cuban government and civil society.
Among those accompanying the 'Astral' during its journey were political figures from the Spanish state, such as MEP Miguel Urban (Anticapitalistas), MEP Ana Miranda (Bloque Nacionalista Galego), Su Moreno (CUP), and Aída Llauradó (Comuns). Their presence underscores the plural nature of the initiative, which aims to alleviate the shortage of resources in the Cuban healthcare system.
The aid has focused on the Juan Manuel Márquez paediatric hospital, one of the main children's reference centres in Havana. The solar panels will ensure electricity supply in critical areas of the hospital, while the medical supplies will help improve care for younger patients.
Open Arms, known for its rescues in the Mediterranean, has thus expanded its humanitarian work to cooperation with Cuba. The NGO has highlighted the solidarity of Catalan donors and those from the rest of Spain, who have responded massively to the fundraising campaign.
The arrival of the 'Astral' comes amid diplomatic tensions between the United States and Cuba, following a report by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that labels the island as the 'capital of 21st-century communism'. Analysts consulted by Cubainformación believe that this document could be used to justify military intervention, although official US sources have not confirmed such a possibility.
For the residents of the province of Barcelona, the 'Rumbo a Cuba' initiative represents an example of international cooperation driven by Catalan civil society. Fundraising was primarily carried out through digital platforms and solidarity events in the Catalan capital, where numerous volunteers participated in preparing the cargo.
The Juan Manuel Márquez paediatric hospital treats thousands of children each year and suffers from shortages of basic materials due to the economic embargo imposed by the United States. The aid from the 'Astral' will improve the working conditions of healthcare staff and the quality of life for patients.
The journey of the sailing boat has been closely followed by Cuban media and by Open Arms' social media, which have documented technical stops and meetings with local communities in several Caribbean countries. The organization has thanked the support of port authorities and sponsors who made the trip possible.
Open Arms has announced that it will continue its cooperation work in the region, although it has not detailed new projects. For now, the delivery of aid in Havana marks a milestone in the collaboration between Catalan civil society and the Cuban people.
