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Cuban official profiles reported last Thursday the detention of three Cuban citizens accused of stealing products intended for the supply booklet in the province of Matanzas.
According to information shared by the Facebook profile associated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), "Con Todos la Victoria," the incident took place in the early hours of December 22 in the municipality of Pedro Betancourt.
The detainees, identified as Yunieski Fernández Martínez, Adrián Ortega Morales, and Yasmany Morejón Boitel, were caught in another municipality of the province, Jovellanos, after improperly taking three sacks of rice and one of sugar.
These products were part of the basic basket distributed in the stores "El Sol" and "La Aurora" in Pedro Betancourt, and they had already been reported as missing, impacting a significant number of consumers in the municipality.
Morejón Boitel, one of those involved, has a criminal record for assault and offenses related to livestock, which exacerbates his legal situation.
According to the authorities, the three defendants, connected to the Commerce sector, will be prosecuted for the crime of misappropriation.
The basic food basket in Cuba, distributed through the ration book, has been for decades the main way for families to access essential products such as rice, sugar, oil, and coffee.
However, in recent years, this system has faced increasing difficulties due to the economic crisis the country is experiencing. The shortage of foreign currency has restricted the government's ability to import food, while domestic production has declined, increasing dependence on imports.
This situation has led to frequent delays and shortages in the distribution of basic goods, significantly impacting the everyday lives of Cubans.
In December 2024, the Cuban government announced the gradual elimination of subsidies for the basic basket, arguing the need to correct economic distortions and redirect aid towards vulnerable populations.
This measure has raised concerns among the population, as many fear they will be unable to access essential foods without state subsidies amid ongoing inflation and insufficient wages.
Moreover, the lack of details on how the new assistance policies will be implemented has increased uncertainty and public discontent.
However, days later, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) announced through its official profiles that the distribution of the supply booklet for 2025 is guaranteed for all family units in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft of Products from the Supply Ration Book in Cuba
What happened to the three Cubans detained in Matanzas?
The three Cubans were arrested for stealing goods from the rationing booklet in Matanzas, specifically three sacks of rice and one of sugar. These products were intended for the stores in Pedro Betancourt, and their theft impacted many consumers.
How is the theft in Matanzas related to the economic situation in Cuba?
The theft of goods from the ration book reflects the desperation caused by the economic crisis in Cuba. The shortage of foreign currency and the decline in domestic production have led to persistent shortages in the distribution of basic products, which is increasing social conflicts.
What is the current status of the supply rationing booklet in Cuba?
The Cuban government has announced that the ration book will remain in place in 2025, but with a reduction in the quantity of food distributed. The economic crisis has impacted the regime's ability to ensure an adequate supply of basic products.
What is the impact of removing subsidies on the basic goods basket in Cuba?
The removal of subsidies for basic goods is deepening public discontent in Cuba, as many essential products could become unaffordable for families due to high prices. Although the government promises to redirect subsidies to vulnerable individuals, it has not specified how this will be implemented.
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