In a speech given at the Agro-Food Commission prior to the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Cuban Parliament, associated with the X Legislature, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged the severe decline in living conditions in rural areas of the country, while emphasizing the need to defend the "achievements of the Revolution."
During his address, Valdés Mesa, accompanied by Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), pointed out that, in the current context, living conditions in rural areas are deteriorating, as reported by the official Channel Caribe.
"First and foremost, we need to reclaim the great achievements of the Revolution in the fields and mountains of the country," Valdés Mesa stated, seemingly unaware that the energy crisis, resource shortages, and the economic challenges stemming from his government are affecting the daily struggles faced by farmers and agricultural communities.
The number two official in the Cuban government referred to health and education as other "achievements of the Revolution." However, he added that the situation for farmers and rural inhabitants has "suffered much deterioration."
According to Valdés Mesa, it is essential to prioritize attention to these sectors despite having specific programs in place. “The mountains and the countryside have had an enormous dependence on the city, and this needs to be reversed,” the Cuban leader noted.
According to the state-run newspaper Granma, Valdés Mesa also emphasized the contributions that Cuban farmers can make to the country’s economy. “In order to obtain more foreign currency, we need to produce more: more coffee, more honey; we must contribute more minerals, more services,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need to activate the mechanisms approved in the Turquino Plan and to intensify efforts in community participation. "We must make a greater effort to get involved more, especially in the structures of the municipal assemblies, the education councils, and within the government framework," Valdés Mesa stated.
Living conditions in rural areas of Cuba have significantly deteriorated in recent years. Numerous reports and testimonies highlight the precarious situation faced by farmers and their families.
For example, in March 2023, a report was made about the situation of a woman and her mother living in extreme poverty in Santiago de Cuba, with no state support to improve their circumstances.
Regarding the statements made by Vice President Valdés Mesa, there have been several occasions when he has acknowledged failures of the government led by Miguel Díaz-Canel. In January 2021, he admitted to the administrative inefficiency in the management of economic and human resources in Cuba, emphasizing the need to adopt austere measures in light of the crisis the country is facing.
More recently, in August 2023, he acknowledged the lack of "economic culture" during a tour of the province of Artemisa, emphasizing the need to address this issue to improve efficiency in that sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis in Rural Areas of Cuba
What is the current situation of rural areas in Cuba?
Living conditions in rural areas of Cuba have deteriorated significantly in recent years. Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa has acknowledged that farmers and rural residents are facing serious challenges due to the energy crisis, lack of resources, and government economic policies. Despite these issues, the Cuban government continues to defend the "achievements of the Revolution."
What role do farmers play in the Cuban economy?
Cuban farmers are crucial to the country's economy, as they are expected to increase the production of products such as coffee, honey, and minerals to generate more foreign currency. However, they face significant challenges, including a lack of resources and state support, which limits their ability to meet these expectations.
How does the crisis in the sugar sector affect rural areas in Cuba?
The crisis in the sugar sector has negatively impacted rural areas of Cuba, as only 15 sugar mills will be operational in the upcoming harvest. This marks a setback for a sector that was once crucial to the country's economy, affecting job opportunities and development in rural regions.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the situation in rural areas?
The Cuban government has implemented specific programs and the Turquino Plan to prioritize attention to rural areas. However, these efforts have been insufficient due to a lack of resources and the dependence on urban areas, which has limited their effectiveness in improving living conditions in the countryside.
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