Glenboro couple witnesses Cuban’s resilience during crisis

When Kathy and Steve Sloat of Glenboro boarded their flight for a warm winter getaway, they carried some apprehension, knowing that Cuba was under strain from fuel shortages. The shortage stems from an ongoing energy crisis tied to reduced oil imports, aging infrastructure, and long-standing economic pressures. In recent years, tightened sanctions and reduced shipments from allies such as Venezuela, along with broader international trade restrictions influenced by policies from leaders including Donald Trump have constrained fuel supplies. The result has been transportation cuts, power limitations, and widespread concern among residents about how long essential services and tourism-related jobs can continue.

Having booked their eight-night vacation back in August, the couple closely followed developments before departure. “We had purchased cancellation insurance and maybe if we weren’t travelling in a group of 14, two of whom have been friends with us for over 30 years, we may have cancelled, but I’m so glad we didn’t,” they said.

Their perspective also shifted after Kathy discovered a post on the resort’s Facebook page that mentioned Pastor Cecilia, a contact for visitors wanting to donate essential supplies. Following the pastor’s guidance and determined to help where they could the Sloats packed a hockey bag with first-aid essentials, small toys, gardening gloves, Tylenol, and rechargeable flashlights, along with donated diapers, prescription eyeglasses, stuffed animals, children’s underwear, and socks from the Glenboro Thrift Store. Items were sorted into care packages and entrusted to the Pastor for distribution throughout the community, while several were also shared directly with grateful groundskeepers and other resort staff.

“Thank goodness for Google Translate the Pastor and I were able to communicate easily and arrange where to meet and what items were needed most,” Kathy said.

Although the couple spent most of their stay soaking up the sun on the resort; they took a short trip into Varadero, where they said it didn’t take long to sense the concern among locals.

The resort appeared beautiful and well maintained at first glance, but Kathy noticed subtle signs of strain, such as grass left longer than usual – small indicators that maintenance resources were stretched thin. Beyond the resort, local homes appeared worn, though she emphasized residents were clearly doing the best they could with what they had.

One of the most striking realities was the rationing taking place behind the scenes. Staff carefully limited alcohol service to ensure supplies would last for the coming days. Transportation shortages were even more evident. In an effort to conserve fuel, only airport-to-resort transfer buses were running consistently, and tourist shuttles had been reduced from half-hour intervals to just a few scheduled trips each week. Many workers walked miles to and from their shifts simply to earn a day’s pay and return home to their families.

Kathy recalled several moments that will stay with her. Kathy’s heart went out to all especially a young resort DJ who had become stranded at work because staff buses had stopped running. Without transportation, he couldn’t get home for meals and often went hungry. “He wasn’t being fed and was hungry all the time,” she said. “Our group would sneak him snacks when he was working by the pool and unfortunately his situation was just one of many.”

She added that while tourists wanted to help by giving money, it often wouldn’t solve the problem because local grocery shelves were largely empty. The experience, she said, was eye-opening. “It really made me realize how much we take for granted and how blessed we are with our everyday comforts in Canada.”

Despite the hardships, the couple emphasized that what stood out most was not scarcity, but spirit. “Cuba is a beautiful country blessed with white, fine sandy beaches and azure blue waters,” Kathy reflected, “but what really stands out are the beautiful people. They are kind, devoted, and their love for tourists especially Canadians, is easy to feel.”

Still, beneath the warmth, there was worry. Staff members tried not to discuss the situation openly for fear of dampening visitors’ vacations, but when they did speak candidly, they shared deep concern about their livelihoods and the looming reality of resort closures. For those living too far away to walk home, separation from family also weighed heavily.

For the Sloats, the trip became more than a tropical holiday it became a lesson in perspective. What they witnessed was not just a destination facing hardship, but a community meeting it with quiet strength, gratitude for small kindnesses, and hope that better days are on the horizon.

Just days after returning home to Glenboro, the Sloats learned the resort had officially closed. “Even after relocating guests from other resorts, there just aren’t enough visitors to keep it going. So heartbreaking,” Kathy said. Although it was their first visit to Cuba, she remains hopeful it won’t be their last. “It’s too bad it had to be during this situation; but we’d go back in a heartbeat when things are better. Cubans never say goodbye … they say, ‘See you next time.’” And with that, Kathy says she truly hopes they will.

PHOTO CAPTION: One of the famous Cuban old taxi cars they took to Varadero. Pictured are Steve and Kathy Sloat with friends Nancy and Paul Clement of Sudbury. PHOTO SUBMITTED