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A social media profile identified as close to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) has come to the defense of the controversial Supermercado de 3ra y 70, a store that caters exclusively to those who can pay in dollars.
The post, shared by the Facebook profile "Las Cosas de Fernanda," associated with MININT in Cienfuegos, not only highlighted the "great diversity of high-quality products and offers" in the supermarket but also justified the exclusion of the majority of the population by arguing that the Cuban state must generate foreign currency to finance social programs.
According to the message, which began with the well-known topic of payments being made exclusively with foreign currency cards, including MIR cards, the freely convertible currency (MLC) and the Cuban peso (CUP) are not accepted.
Furthermore, the profile acknowledged that "not everyone in the population can shop at that type of supermarket or stay in a five-star hotel," but defended the strategy as a way to compete with the informal market and ensure resources for the country's development.
"From a personal standpoint, I prefer that foreign currency be collected in greater amounts by the Cuban state, which is constantly under financial pressure due to the blockade imposed by the U.S. government," stated the author of the message, suggesting that non-state management approaches should focus more on local production rather than the importation of finished products.
The message also questioned the current utility of the MLC and raised doubts about the advisability of selling foreign currency in banks to the public, leaving that analysis "to the specialists."
In what was deemed an ironic statement, he ruled that it remains to be seen whether the prices in foreign currency are truly competitive compared to those in the informal market.
The new supermarket on 3rd and 70, part of the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel, only accepts payments in cash dollars or with cards linked to foreign currency accounts. It offers both national and foreign products, including food, beverages, and appliances, but its prices are out of reach for most Cubans.
This opening highlights the economic dollarization and growing inequality in Cuba, limiting access to essential goods for those who do not receive remittances. There have been many criticisms expressed on social media.
Among them, the pro-government journalist Ana Teresa Badía criticized the exclusion of MLC cards as a payment method and emphasized the lack of clear information about the project, which increases speculation and social discontent.
According to Badía, this type of idea reflects economic inequality and calls for more transparent communication.
The comedian Ulises Toirac pointed out that prices are unaffordable for most Cubans, reflecting the growing social gap on the island.
Toirac highlighted the irony of justifying these policies under revolutionary ideals while the stores in MLC remain understocked.
Another critic who joined in was comedian Jardiel González, who mocked the situation by using a bedsheet designed to look like a 100-dollar bill, highlighting the contrast between limited access to products and the needs of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dollar Supermarket in Cuba
Why does the supermarket at 3rd and 70 in Havana only accept dollars as a form of payment?
The supermarket at 3rd and 70 only accepts cash in dollars or cards linked to foreign currency accounts as part of a strategy by the Cuban government to attract foreign currency and address the current economic crisis. This measure aligns with the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy, which aims to prioritize sales in dollars in strategic sectors.
What impact does the opening of this supermarket have on the Cuban population?
The opening of the dollar supermarket in Havana has intensified social inequality in Cuba, limiting access to goods and basic products for those without access to foreign currency. This situation exacerbates the ongoing economic and social crisis, as most Cubans do not receive salaries in dollars and rely on remittances or the informal market.
What criticisms have emerged regarding the new payment model at the supermarket on 3rd and 70th?
The exclusive payment model in dollars has been heavily criticized for excluding cards in Convertible Currency (MLC) and for being inaccessible to the majority of Cubans. This economic exclusion has been highlighted by public figures and citizens as a reflection of the growing inequality and social discontent on the island.
How does the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy affect stores and access to products?
Partial dollarization in Cuba has reinforced a system of economic exclusion, where only those with access to dollars can shop in well-stocked stores, while shops operating in MLC or national currency remain understocked. This has widened the social gap and generated a dual market that further complicates the economic situation for most Cubans.
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