The Irish rap trio Kneecap joined the international convoy Nuestra América, an initiative that seeks to mitigate the effects of the energy blockade on Cuba. During their stay in Havana, the musicians participated in a press conference alongside British politician Jeremy Corbyn, where they denounced that the island is being suffocated by US sanctions.
“As Irish, it’s simply not in our nature to look at what’s happening internationally or in our own country and stand idly by,” declared Mo Chara. “We see that Cuba is being strangled,” continued the musician alongside his bandmates, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai, who was wearing a balaclava in the colors of the Irish flag.
“It’s important that those who have access to a platform like ours, who may reach a certain number of people, use it to stand up for what is right,” added Chara.
The group emphasized that their support for the Caribbean nation stems from a long-standing tradition of solidarity between Ireland and Cuba. As part of their solidarity agenda, Kneecap performed a concert at the Pabellón Cuba—home to the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS)—alongside American rapper Vic Mensa.
Addressing a multinational audience, the artists characterized the restrictive measures imposed on the Cuban people as “collective punishment.” Furthermore, the group members highlighted the population’s resilience and dignity in the face of economic hardships, reaffirming their commitment to use their artistic platform to raise awareness of the current situation in the Caribbean nation.
The “Nuestra América” (Our America) coalition—comprising a diverse group of activists, legislators, and humanitarian organizations—is coordinating the shipment of tons of aid to Cuba via air and sea routes. This logistical operation has already facilitated the arrival in Havana of air-freighted shipments containing medicines, food, water, and solar technology.
In a complementary effort, several vessels arriving from Mexico are expected to complete the delivery of supplies and provisions on Cuban soil. The ship *Granma 2.0* set sail on the afternoon of Friday, March 20, from the Port of Progreso in Yucatán, Mexico, bound for Havana, Cuba.
Subsequently, on Saturday, March 21, the final two sailboats of the Mexican delegation—part of the *Nuestra América* convoy—departed from Isla Mujeres in the Mexican Caribbean, also bound for the largest of the Antilles.
The *Nuestra América* convoy has emerged as a response to counter the impact of the U.S. blockade—which intensified following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29—authorizing Washington to levy tariffs on goods originating from countries that supply oil to Cuba.
According to the convoy’s organizers, “the Trump administration is strangling Cuba, cutting off fuel, flights, and supplies essential for survival. It is an emergency: hospitals are without electricity, ambulances are without gasoline, and sick people are without medication. There is no time to lose. We must act in solidarity with the Cuban people,” they emphasize.
The mission is backed by the Global Sumud Flotilla—known for its work in the Gaza Strip—and supported by figures such as Swedish activist Greta Thunberg; Pablo Iglesias, former Vice President of the Spanish Government and founder of Podemos; former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn; American trade unionist Chris Smalls; and former Colombian Minister Clara López.
IMAGE CREDIT: The group emphasized that their support for the Caribbean nation stems from a long-standing tradition of solidarity between Ireland and Cuba. Photo: @KNEECAPCEOL
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
