The Canadian government’s recent warnings about resource shortages in Cuba has some P.E.I. residents changing their plans to travel to the popular destination — while Islanders who are already in the Caribbean nation are worried for its people and economy.

On Feb. 3, Ottawa warned of worsening electricity issues and shortages of fuel and basic necessities in Cuba.

A number of Canadian airlines have announced they are winding down flights to the island country because Havana’s José Martí International Airport is running out of jet fuel.

Kristen MacQueen was born in P.E.I., but has lived and worked in Cuba for the past three decades and describes herself as a “double Islander.” She said the recent resource shortages have meant tough times for her adopted home.

“As soon as the gas situation gets more complicated, that means that the prices on the black market go up,” MacQueen said. “They’ve just got to live through this crisis and see how long it takes to re-establish some alternative fuel supplies, if it’s possible.”

Cuba has historically relied on Venezuela to provide much of its jet fuel, but the Caribbean country has not received any crude or refined products from its top ally since mid-December, when the United States moved to block the South American country’s exports.

Brett Tabor, an adviser with Stewart Travel Group in Stratford, said the demand for trips to Cuba is already down as would-be travellers look to other options.

“The Cuban government did assure travellers that they had fuel secured for the resorts, but I don’t think Canadians believe them,” he said, adding that all of his clients who had trips scheduled to Cuba have now rebooked to go elsewhere.

He compared the current situation to travel cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting it could be weeks before customers are able to get their money back.

“I hope clients realize and are patient with travel agents as they work through this,” he said. “If they’re not travelling and their vacation has been refunded to them, that also means the travel agent has lost the commission, and that’s their livelihood.”

‘They’re being abandoned’

MacQueen said travellers to Cuba will be fine at resorts, adding that Cubans would welcome Islanders “with open arms.”

“Cubans are willing and eager to work and hopefully people find a way around the latest developments,” she said. “Cubans deserve a break.… I hope the people think about that and throw Cubans a lifeline.” 

Charlottetown resident Faith MacLeod and her husband are currently at a resort in Cuba’s Holguin province on their sixth trip to the area.

They arrived Jan. 29 with plans to stay until Feb. 19, and MacLeod said they are enjoying their time at the resort and don’t need to leave. 

“Cuba relies on tourism and I honestly feel … like they’re being abandoned,” she said. “The Cubans are scared.”

MacLeod spoke highly of the kindness of the Cuban people, and worries that the loss of tourism due to the resource crisis could be devastating to the country’s economy.

“I feel like I’m letting them down and abandoning them,” MacLeod said. “The impact that this will have will be every bit as devastating for Cuba as COVID was.”

Alexander MacKay and his wife began planning a trip with their 12 grandchildren before Christmas. The Stanley Bridge couple opted for Cuba due to its affordability.

The plan was to head out March 16 and stay at a resort in Varadero, but MacKay recently received a message informing him the trip would be cancelled.

He said he’s disappointed his grandchildren won’t get to see the country, but he is looking for alternative destinations.

“It was a place where we’ve been many times where we want to demonstrate to [our grandchildren] what it’s like to live in a country different than the one we live in,” he said. 

“They would remember this trip.… I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get to go to Cuba because it’s a special place.”