Cuban diaspora urged to invest in island amid US blockade

At the eighth regional meeting of the Network of Cubans Residents in Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay, Enrique Portuondo, the network’s president‑pro‑tempore, called on Cubans living abroad to help transform and rebuild Cuba’s economy, politics, society and culture. He emphasized that the diaspora is a productive extension of the nation and urged them to invest, strengthen overseas associations and cooperate with Cuban embassies and consulates.

The forum gathered delegates from nine countries in person and additional participants virtually. Portuondo said the call comes as the United States intensifies its blockade and highlighted the need for solidarity from Cubans in Argentina, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic and other nations.

The Cuban government’s recent economic measures aim to create a stable framework for diaspora participation, and the meeting sought to “multiply” the revolutionary leadership’s appeal for external support.