Cuba Cancels Cigar Festival Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba has announced the cancellation of its annual cigar festival, 'Festival del Habano', which was scheduled for February 24-27. This decision stems from a severe energy crisis on the island, primarily caused by increased pressure from the United States. The United States cut off oil deliveries to Cuba from its ally Venezuela and President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba. The festival is a crucial event, generating millions of dollars annually from luxury cigar auctions, which are then funneled into Cuba's healthcare system. The cancellation highlights the deepening economic struggles of Cuba, which has been under an American embargo since 1962. The energy crisis has also led to international airlines, such as Air Canada, halting flights to Cuba, further isolating the nation and impacting its tourism sector. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has accused Donald Trump of attempting to 'suffocate' the island's economy.