The Blockade is Real!
For three years the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society has successfully run ‘From Australia to Cuba with Love’, an activity-based campaign that raises awareness about the unjust US blockade of Cuba, lobbies and raises funds for humanitarian projects in Cuba.
The website used for conducting the campaign and raising money requires a connection to the financial gateway STRIPE, which is a Irish-US multinational financial services tech company .
Now in our 4th year, when we attempted to establish the 2025 ‘From Australia to Cuba with Love’ campaign webpage and connect to Stripe, we received the message below. Due to our fundraising for projects in Cuba they have decided to close our account. We have therefore had to postpone our 2025 ‘From Australia to Cuba with Love’ campaign until we develop an alternative solution.
There is a real cost to the people of Cuba in this. Previously the funds have been used to purchase critical medical supplies and a community-based sustainable agricultural project. It is yet another blow that requires us to strengthen our solidarity and
push back against the grip of US power and domination!
After reviewing your account , we’ve determined that your business accepted payments for Cuba. This isn’t allowed under Stripe’s Services Agreement because Cuba is considered a high-risk jurisdiction; as a result, we’re closing your Stripe account. Our Restricted Businesses list which contains restrictions imposed by our regulators and financial partners, states that it is prohibited to use Stripe’s services for any dealings, engagements, or sale of goods/services linked directly or indirectly with jurisdictions that we have deemed high risk for any reason, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk Regions. We prohibit any such activity involving these jurisdictions because of concerns involving sanctions, money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and other financial crimes risks, in addition to commercial and operational considerations. Effective today, you can no longer process payments on Stripe. We recognize the impact this may have on your business, and we’re sorry that we can’t support your business moving forward.
Viva Cuba!
#droptheblockade
#TumbaElBloqueo
#LetCubaLive
Siempre con Cuba
