The Cuban government is bidding goodbye to a tough year—more committed than ever to its socialist economic model despite harsh new U.S. sanctions.

In 2019, Cubans endured austerity measures due to U.S. sanctions—especially the penalties against companies transporting fuel imports from Venezuela.

Adding to the struggles were interruptions in medical cooperation accords by Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia. However, despite these disruptions, Cuba still expect its economy to grow a half percent in 2019.

Even if Washington tightens its chokehold on Cuba’s economy, Cuban officials say the country is ready to take the challenge.

“For years, we had no relations with the U.S. and nobody lost sleep over it, and nobody will if relations are broken. I insist that Cuba does not want this. Cuba thinks that bilateral relations with the U.S. must continue and will work for that,” said Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, general director for U.S. Affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry in recent statements to reporters in Havana.

Despite the sanctions by the U.S. administration against Cuba, the island received political recognition and economic support from leaders and nations from around the world.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell made the first royal official visit to the island, as did Spanish king Felipe V and Queen Letizia during celebrations for Havana’s 500 birthday in November.

In October, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed commercial accords with Havana to help blunt the impact of U.S. sanctions.

Meanwhile, for the 28th consecutive year, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an end to the U.S. trade embargo in November.

At home, Cubans voted to adopt a new constitution. They also saw progress in transportation, telecommunications, and tourism.

As 2019 comes to a close, Cubans look back at their struggles with undimmed optimism for what lies ahead.

Physiotherapist Yamile Valle said that she hopes it gets better.

“This year, the Cuban people have faced serious economic difficulties, this American president has affected us a lot, but we have overcome the difficulties," Vale said.

"We have been able to go ahead, we Cubans support each other and our solidarity with one another has helped us advance each day.”