News from Cuba today, January 7, 2025: chaos at Santa Clara airport, disappointment at the supermarket on 3rd and 70, and tragedy from a gas explosion in Havana

Santa Clara Airport is facing chaos over luggage. Mercedes-Benz publishes prices in dollars in Cuba. Supermarket 3ra y 70 disappoints in comparison to Walmart. Dollarization is advancing on the island.

Caos en el Aeropuerto de Santa Clara © Facebook/Mario Vallejo
Chaos at Santa Clara AirportPhoto © Facebook/Mario Vallejo

Related videos:

Today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Cuba, passengers at Abel Santamaría International Airport in Santa Clara are facing logistical chaos due to the disorganized management of luggage, primarily from charter flights arriving from the United States. Images shared by journalist Mario Vallejo have shown how some bags have been left abandoned on the ground to be shipped later on cargo flights, creating a backlog that clogs the airport's corridors.

In other news, the Mercedes-Benz branch in Cuba has launched a catalog with prices in dollars, a move that has drawn attention due to the high costs of the vehicles, which range from $51,000 to $191,000. The availability of these vehicles is expected in showrooms starting January 8th.

On the other hand, a Cuban YouTuber expressed her disappointment after visiting the new 3ra y 70 supermarket in Miramar, Playa, which she unfavorably compared to Walmart due to the limited product variety, lack of discounts, and high prices in dollars, making it inaccessible for many Cubans.

In a tragic outcome, six-year-old Elinzzanith Paneque passed away days after a gas explosion in Havana. Her brother Helinzzon remains in critical condition. The community has shown its solidarity through aid campaigns led by the "Aliento de Vida" project.

In the Cuban black market, the price of dollars and euros continues to rise, with the dollar selling for 227 CUP and the euro for 335 CUP, reflecting the increasing demand for hard currency in the context of partial dollarization and the economic crisis on the island.

Meanwhile, the mother of the deceased girl expressed her pain over the loss and her hope for her son's recovery following the tragic gas explosion that shook the community.

The Cuban government inaugurated another market in Havana that allows payments in Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), managed by the Spanish group VIMA, marking another step in the process of economic dollarization.

A fire alert in El Vedado caused alarm on Monday, although it was brought under control without any casualties. Authorities responded quickly to the incident in a building, raising concerns among residents.

Ulises Toirac, a Cuban comedian, criticized the Clásica card due to its limitations for online purchases and its exclusivity for Cuban stores, highlighting the frustrations arising from the economic restrictions on the island.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and issues of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.