Amid a rising economic and social crisis in Cuba, a message shared by a citizen from the island has touched the hearts of many both inside and outside the country.
The woman, identified on TikTok as izzys33 La guajira de Cuba, expressed her deep pain and frustration regarding the difficult situation that Cubans face on a daily basis, reflecting the growing popular discontent on the Island.
In the shared video, this internet user started by showcasing her meal for the day, which consisted of some rice, a small piece of pork, and tomato.
"Look at what I'm going to eat thanks to a neighbor of mine who gifted me a little piece of pork. Yes, because this is the only one I'm going to eat this New Year's Eve, and for the rest of the year, and at the beginning of the year, and whatever else may come," he said.
His message, which captures the struggles of a people fighting to survive under increasingly harsh conditions, also addressed the recent government announcement regarding the elimination of subsidized products. This change has led to the end of the rationing system, a program established in the 1960s that ensured access to basic goods at reduced prices.
"They say they're going to eliminate the ration book... that new measures regarding the dollar will come in January. Get rid of it! We have nothing to eat, and that crap doesn't bring us anything. Just take it all away," he expressed in an agitated manner.
According to an announcement from the Cuban government, starting in 2025, subsidies will gradually be phased out, citing the need to "modernize" the economy and allocate resources to other sectors.
The elimination of the ration card has raised many complaints among the population, as it was the only guarantee of access to certain foods in a country marked by scarcity.
The citizens' opinion reflects a mix of hopelessness and resignation. Many families rely on this system for their survival and are now facing an uncertain outlook in a market marked by inaccessible prices and shortages.
A Cuban summed up her feelings: “If there’s no ration booklet, there’s no food. Send me money, because here, it’s not enough for anything.” These words reflect the desperation of thousands of families who can't find viable options in the current economy.
Rising prices and increasingly inaccessible basic services
In parallel, the government announced an increase in internet prices, a service that was already expensive and limited for the majority of the population.
The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) will raise internet rates starting in 2025 and introduce new packages and services in foreign currency, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during a speech at the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP) held last week in Havana.
Marrero explained that the measure aims to attract foreign currency, an urgent necessity given the severe economic crisis the country is facing.
According to the high-ranking Cuban official, since ETECSA implemented packages in national currency (MN), offers in dollars have lost popularity.
To reverse this trend, tariffs in national currency will be adjusted with a consumption limit.
This measure has drawn criticism in a context where connectivity is a crucial tool for accessing information and for staying in touch with family members abroad, who often serve as a vital source of remittances.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Social Crisis in Cuba
Why did the Cuban government eliminate the ration book?
The Cuban government abolished the rationing booklet as part of an effort to "modernize" the economy and allocate resources to other sectors. However, this decision has been perceived by many citizens as an attempt to offload the economic crisis onto families amid a context of scarcity and high prices.
How does the removal of the rationing book affect Cuban families?
The elimination of the rationing booklet puts Cuban families at an even greater risk of shortages and higher prices for basic goods. This measure exacerbates the economic situation for the population, which is already grappling with rampant inflation and insufficient salaries in Cuban pesos.
What impact does the dollarization of services have in Cuba?
The dollarization of basic services, such as mobile data, negatively impacts the majority of Cubans who receive their salaries in pesos. This measure increases the economic gap between those with access to foreign currency and those who rely on the national currency, making it even more challenging to access essential services.
How is popular discontent in Cuba being expressed in response to these measures?
Public discontent in Cuba is being expressed through social media and virtual protests, where citizens share testimonies of frustration and despair regarding the current situation. The population utilizes platforms like TikTok to denounce food shortages, blackouts, and government repression.
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