History A2Z

World

Yet Another Canadian Diplomat in Cuba Caught the “Mystery Illness”

| Jen Aguilar
Share on Facebook

In an official statement, the Canadian government confirmed the case and made known that their diplomatic staff in Cuba would be reduced. Once 16, the number of diplomats at the Canadian embassy in Cuba will now be 8. The statement read: “The health, safety, and security of our diplomatic staff and their families remain our priority.  The Canadian government continues to investigate the potential causes of the unusual health symptoms experienced by some Canadian diplomatic staff and their family members posted in Havana, Cuba. To date, no cause has been identified.”

Josefina Vidal, Cuban ambassador to Canada rebuked the decision of the Canadian government to halve staff as an “incomprehensible” act. “This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba,” she said. Vidal also stressed out Cuba’s cooperation in the investigation of the cases and supported the country’s dedication to good relations. According to the statement, a number of Canadian diplomats in Cuba took additional medical tests following the 14th confirmed case of uncommon health symptoms back in November 2018. “These tests confirm that an additional employee has symptoms consistent with those of previously affected employees. This brings the total number of affected Canadian employees, spouses and dependents to 14.” The Canadian government pulled “inessential” staff and family members of diplomats in April after tests revealed that their diplomats experienced baffling symptoms such as dizziness and memory loss. Canada also said that there is no proof that supports that Canadian travelers to Cuba are compromised.

The Mystery Symptoms

The United States embassy in Cuba had previously reduced its staff after its 26 American diplomats including their family members suffered explainable illnesses. At first, US officials thought the mysterious symptoms were the effect of “sonic weapons” that produced a strong beam of energy leading to neurological problems. A study published in the medical journal JAMA shows that 21 affected workers patients sought medical help due to moderate to severe problems with memory, concentration, eyesight, balance, hearing, and sleeping. More than half of these patients required prescription medicines so that they can sleep and manage their headaches. For a period of time, many were unable to resume to their jobs.

Canada is a Friend to Cuba

Despite the Cold War-era strain that chases the Cuba-US ties, Canada’s relationship with Havana is but warm and cooperative. In fact, Canadian tourists flood Cuban beaches during winter and Canadian firms aid the Cuban government in nickel mining. Pierre Trudeau, Former Prime Minister of Canada and father of Justin Trudeau, current Canadian Prime Minister, often visited Havana and was an ally to Cuban communist Fidel Castro. The FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were granted access by the Cuban government to travel to its country and make their investigation of the mystery cases. Cuba is also looking into the cases and its officials have reiterated that they have not allowed any third countries to assail international diplomats on Cuban territory.

 The Wisdom Segment

  • I When the Second World War was over, geopolitical tension formed between the two remaining superpowers the United States and its Western Bloc allies, and the Soviet Union with its Eastern Bloc states. Each group put forward conflicting suggestions on how to restore international peace and order.
  • II The Cold War effectually began in 1946 when US foreign policy was designed to restrict Soviet expansionism, spearheaded by the Truman Doctrine established in 1947. The term Cold War was coined by writer George Orwell in an essay titled You and the Atomic Bomb written in light of the times.
  • III During the Cold War, as a psychological display of military might against the United States, the Soviet Union detonated the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, called the Tsar Bomba, which means King of Bombs. It is also called "Kuzma's mother," an idiom that means to say "we'll show you".
  • IV The Revolutions of 1989 and the eventual crash of the USSR in 1991 marked the Cold War's end. Communism in Eastern Europe had collapsed, and nations that were once under Soviet rule reclaimed their independence. The Cold War peaked during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
  • V In a bold attempt to promote peace and harmony between East and West Germany, a German teenager deliberately flew a Cessna single-engine aircraft in 1987 across an exceptionally well-equipped Soviet military shield. He followed through and landed at the Kremlin Gates, where he was immediately arrested for malicious hooliganism.
  • VI The Cold War gave birth to many espionage techniques and strategies, even a lot of spy movies. CIA agents in the field devised means to communicate without being intercepted, for example, by the way they tied their shoelaces. A particular pattern could mean "follow me", or "I have vital information".

In Case You Missed It

Jen Aguilar |

Here’s Why We Should Never Forget Katharine McCormick’s Special Role in the Birth Control Movement
Philanthropist Katharine Dexter McCormick played a highly significant role in a pioneering research about birth control pill that led to its successful development.  Beyond her..

Mark Villanueva |

Scuba Divers Should Follow These Top Artists
There is a growing number of artists that specialize in underwater work. From sculptures to paintings, the depth itself in which it is performed and left submerged adds mystique..

Rouella Midel-Bagiscan |

Nazi Infrastructure Built For Mass Murder Killed 1.47 Million Jews
The Holocaust, a state-sponsored genocide that systematically killed six million Jews, was one of the worst tragedies that happened in the 20th century and a new study reveals..