Photos of the Chinese Gate (Puerta de Tierra de Chinos) around Havana's Chinatown (Barrio Chino), taken from my January 2026 trip.
The iconic Chinese Gate (Puerta de Tierra de Chinos) around Havana's Chinatown (Barrio Chino), taken from my January 2026 trip.

People of Cuba have given so much to the world.

Now, they need our solidarity and urgent help.

Macdonald Stainsby drinking coffee
In Cuba! Updates to come

I am Macdonald, and I've been a Canadian ally of the Cuban Revolution since the 1990s.

The current US Administration is trying to starve the island into submission through blockading all oil from entering the country. This affects the entire society.

I am focused on two things: first, bringing much needed aid to the island on my person and in my luggage.

Second, bringing the story of Cuba's near miraculous advances in treating dementia—in particular Alzheimer's.

I am flying in to the country on my own funds, but I need your help and solidarity to help Cuba and Cubans survive and thrive.

Learn more about me The situation "Why me?" and other FAQs Donate

The Situation in Cuba

The USA's intensified blockade of Cuba is creating a compounding humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate international solidarity and action.

Learn more about it

My dispatches and interviews

My writing from and about Cuba and Cubans.

Macdonald on Cuba
Macdonald on Cuba
Macdonald on Cuba

My writings

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about this relief effort and how you can help.

I'm traveling as an individual because it allows me to move urgently, carry medicine directly in my luggage, and respond quickly to what Cuban friends and contacts say they need, without waiting for any government or large NGO to approve it. This trip is not a substitute for collective organizing; it's one small piece of a wider effort to stand with Cuba in a moment of siege, and the need is immediate.

That said, people should know about and support collective aid and solidarity efforts with Cuba. In Canada, coalitions like the Canadian Network on Cuba focus on getting containers of food and medical supplies shipped to the island. In the United States, the Nuestra América Convoy involves groups such as CODEPINK and Progressive International, and even public figures like Hasan Piker are traveling with them to deliver medical supplies and help break the information blockade.

Yes — it's become more difficult, but it's still doable. Canadian carriers, after initially taking different approaches, all announced on the same day that they would suspend direct flights to Cuba, likely under pressure linked to the renewed U.S. blockade. All the same, it's still possible to reach Cuba through third countries — as I am doing, via Mexico. It remains legal for Canadians to travel to Cuba as visitors.

As I did in the prior trip, I will be sending out photos and videos of both the aid itself and the people receiving it with their thanks.

Officially, no, but I take guidance from Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and have left a lot of aid with the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association (CCFA).

If you are in Greater Vancouver, or you can get your donations physically there, contact me at mstainsby@resist.ca with the subject "Cuba Aid Solidarity" & I will discuss where we can arrange transfer.

No, sorry, that's a privilege only given to registered charities.