Yirmara Torres Hernández, former president of the Unión de Periodistas de Cuba (UPEC) in Matanzas, delivered a powerful and moving testimony through social media, in which she denounces the extreme thinness and the food crisis affecting the island's population.
In a text filled with emotions, Torres, who has criticized the dictatorship on other occasions, stated on Facebook: “In Cuba, many people are hungry. Yes, HUNGRY”.
The communicator recounted that in recent weeks she has reconnected with people she had not seen in a long time, and what has impacted her the most is seeing the extreme thinness in familiar and cherished faces. “This thinness is not related to diets or illnesses. It has only one source: hunger,” wrote the one who resigned from her former position in 2023.
Basic hunger, not for delicacies
He also clarified that it is a matter of basic hunger, "hunger for bread, milk, rice, beans, any kind of protein," even for the "egg that is unavailable and when it does appear costs more than a beef steak."
Torres emphasized that in Cuba, where bread has become a luxury and pork has become scarce, malnutrition affects people of all ages, from isolated seniors to young families with formal jobs.
"To get thin... or to go insane"
In a dramatic turn, she shared her personal struggle with the lack of electricity and connectivity to share her thoughts. She recounted that while writing, her autocorrect changed the word "enflaquecer" to "enloquecer," and she admitted feeling tempted to leave it that way, as the extreme thinness she observes around her is rooted in "the madness of life that we lead."
A painful comparison
The communicator recalled images from her adolescence and remembered the "Special Period" in Cuba during the 1990s, when a disease popularly known as “very-very” emerged, a term the population used to refer to severe malnutrition.
He warned that for some time now, he has been observing with concern similar symptoms in the current population, and that the situation affects not only the most vulnerable, but also families with relatively stable incomes.
"In Cuba, many families experience hunger and need. They may not want to admit it, but that's the reality," he emphasized. According to Torres, only those with multiple jobs, outside assistance, or additional income can afford the "luxury" of not going hungry.
A cry that must not be ignored
The text by Torres Hernández is not only a heartbreaking testimony, but also an urgent call to awareness. The journalist laments that while many people suffer in silence, others prefer to ignore reality or simply overlook it. “It frightens me. But what hurts the most is that there are those who do not see it... or prefer to pretend they do not see it,” she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food and Social Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is extremely serious, with the population suffering from basic hunger, lack of bread, milk, rice, and essential proteins. The shortage of flour and other essential supplies worsens the situation, affecting people of all ages, from the elderly to young families with formal jobs.
How is the energy crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba has led to frequent blackouts and a shortage of fuels, forcing many families to turn to coal or firewood for cooking. This situation not only complicates food preparation but also jeopardizes home safety due to the makeshift stoves.
What actions are Cuban opposition members taking in response to the crisis?
Opponents like José Daniel Ferrer are denouncing the regime's repression and calling for international solidarity. Ferrer has been trying to provide food and medical care to those in need, despite facing harassment and arbitrary detentions by the authorities.
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