From CNN:
Friday, Cuban President Fidel Castro went on national television and warned residents to prepare for the storm.
"Whatever the hurricane does, we will all work together," he said.
Castro added, "From beforehand, I am saying we will not accept any help from those who have applied economic measures against our country. Save the hypocrisy of offering aid to Cuba."
The United States has imposed sanctions against Cuba since 1963 in a bid to isolate Castro.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/09/1...van/index.html