Canadian diplomat, family suffer hearing loss in Cuba

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Ont. (AA) - At least one Canadian diplomat in Cuba also suffered hearing loss and headaches due to what the U.S. government termed covert sonic devices, Canadian media reported Thursday.

The report by Global Affairs Canada comes after the American State Department earlier this week expelled two Cuban diplomats from Washington after U.S. officials in Havana reported symptoms of hearing loss according to State Department officials. The Americans believe it was the result of a type of ultra sonic waves.

The family of the Canadian diplomat was also affected and received treatment, Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.

“We are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and U.S. diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana,” Brianne Maxwell, a digital communications advisor with Global Affairs Canada, told Canadian media. “The government is actively working – including with U.S. and Cuban authorities – to ascertain the cause.”

She added that officials did not believe tourists would be exposed to risk.

“At this time, we do not have any reason to believe Canadian tourists and other visitors could be affected,” Maxwell said.

American media reported a U.S. investigation concluded the diplomats were targeted by a device emitting a sound not audible to the human ear.

A statement by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied it was responsible for an attack on the Canadians and Americans.

“The Ministry categorically emphasizes that Cuba has never, nor would it ever, allow that the Cuban territory be used for any action against accredited diplomatic agents or their families, without exception,” the statement read.

It said Cuba would launch a “comprehensive, priority and urgent investigation.”

Canadian officials said no action would be taken in reprisal because the investigation is underway and there is no proof as yet Cuba is behind the incidents.