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During an official visit to the Isle of Youth, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa reiterated the need to achieve "autonomy and food sovereignty." However, his call comes across as an institutional farce in a country where food production is minimal, dependence on imports is absolute, and Cuban families struggle daily to put the most basic items on the table.
While the government promotes speeches of self-sufficiency, the reality is that most of the food available comes from abroad and is sold at prices that are unaffordable for the average citizen, often in foreign currency, when state salaries are paid in Cuban pesos with virtually no purchasing power. Speaking of food sovereignty under these conditions is not just ironic: it is a mockery of the people.
According to Radio Caribe, Valdés Mesa was informed about the implementation of seven international collaboration projects, such as the Energy Transition Program in Cocodrilo, supported by the UNDP and financed by the Italian government. Although the project aims to reduce emissions and create jobs, the majority of the investment comes from abroad, and its impact on actual access to food is limited.
It was also mentioned initiatives supported by the European Union, such as the Agroecological Transition program, which aims to create value chains in animal protein (poultry, pigs, fish) and promote renewable energies on local farms.
Projects for the rehabilitation of contaminated soils, improvement of water supply, and theoretical agroecological models were also highlighted, which rarely translate into tangible food for the average citizen.
Despite reports indicating that the spring campaign achieved 110% of its plan with 3,486 hectares planted, many productive bases are still failing to meet their goals. The so-called "rice program" aims to plant 601 hectares, a figure that is insignificant compared to the country's needs. All of this is happening amid an energy crisis that affects production, refrigeration, and food distribution.
Meanwhile, in the island —as in the rest of the country— the markets are understaffed, prices in MLC, dollars, or other foreign currencies are unattainable, and the lines to obtain chicken, eggs, or bread have become a part of the daily landscape. Talking about sovereignty without guaranteeing even breakfast for millions of Cubans is not strategic planning: it's empty propaganda.
Posters against Díaz-Canel appear in Isla de la Juventud
Several posters with messages against the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Cuban communist system appeared on Wednesday, June 18, in Santa Fe, on the Isle of Youth, marking an unusual event in this locality.
The graffiti was made on visible structures of the "Florecita de Azahar" nursery and on a bus stop in front of this educational institution, according to reports and photographs sent to the editorial team of CiberCuba.
Moreover, a "myth" has been shattered: the Isle of Youth can no longer escape daily blackouts. The lack of generation and equipment failures have worsened the situation, leading to an unprecedented movement of citizen discontent that goes beyond mere complaints about blackouts.
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