I read a poem titled "Cause causes Things" many years ago. I can't even remember the who was the author or the words of the poem. However, by the title, its premise was that everything that happens has a root cause. Sometimes we do injustice to issues by the hot and sweaty surface value placed on complex matters, never attempting to, or just unable or unwilling to address the root details.

The Cubans for generations have been providing assistance to many Caribbean countries by way of doctors and other professionals. They have also trained several thousands of our many professionals. All this, while under a severe and brutal embargo, just because a bully from the north does not agree with their sovereign rights to run their state as they please. That embargo is the root of Cuba's problem, but not a single mention of that wickedness. Instead, after all those years of benefits, suddenly everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon of hypocrisy and propaganda in attempting to justify their governments sudden turn on a generous friend. Suddenly, their situation is compared to slavery.

Was it slavery for the Cubans to train all their many thousands of doctors and other professionals for free? The Cuban doctors finish their training with zero student loans. In many of the so called free states, most can't even afford a bachelors' degree to their citizens. And, with all the freedom that they possess, the few who attempt to go on to further education are riddled with student loan debts after just a bachelor's degree. In the free world away from Cuba many had to abandon plans after their first degree.

How many of us know several poor people's children who would have never been able to go to a university, are today medical practitioners, engineers etc, all because of the slavery in Cuba? It is so dishonest how these issues are addressed. In some countries the bulk of the doctors and trained professional are Cuban trained. How come all along it was not slavery. And, before the locals were trained in Cuba, the Cubans were the ones supplying these places with their own professionals; all while freedom reigned in the USA.

Quite frankly, many of us can claim that those situations above are not the same as we know. In fact, in some islands, the Cubans are paid according to local standards and move around freely in society.

I am a firm advocate for Cuba, and declare that the murderous embargo be lifted. Even so, I would not rush to condemn the leaders who chose to move on from Cuba. It hurts, but this is a new dispensation, and there are tremendous pressures. The bully to the north at this time is irrational, dangerous, and would spare no efforts to do as he pleases to get his way. They have the capacity to hurt us at will if they wish to. It is very difficult for any leadership in the region at this time, especially after the vulgar betrayal of CARICOM by Trinidad"s government. While I hope that Cuba would prevail, I understand the dangers. I am certain that Cuba understands the difficulties those leaders face. My hope right now is that Iran continues to show them what "biting more than you can chew" means. I hope the lessons of Iran may help save Cuba. Cuba has been a faithful friend of the Caribbean for generations. Basin Initiatives, and the recent summits only come now and then, when they are ready to divide Caricom. As soon as they invaded Grenada, the basin Initive waned. Just the same, if they ever get a chance to dismantle Cuba, all the love for our region, and summits of selected few would diminish too.

Lifting the embargo is the only solution to Cuba's problems. Just the same, Trinidad's crime problem is internal, and no amount of old talk, bombing fishermen could change that. It is internal, and only cooperation, and coordination between government and opposition, in consultation with the people could change that. As long as government and opposition have to be in public spars over crime, the criminals would just be laughing ha ha.