Announcement of the arrival of a ship loaded with rice at the port of Santiago de Cuba

A ship carrying 4,000 tons of rice is being unloaded in Santiago de Cuba to complete the December supply. The cargo will also be distributed to other eastern provinces.

Unloading of rice at the port of Santiago de CubaPhoto © Facebook / CMKC Radio Revolución

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A ship loaded with 4,000 tons of rice is being unloaded at the multipurpose terminal of the Guillermón Moncada port in Santiago de Cuba since Tuesday night.

This shipment is intended for the completion of the Standard Family Basket for the month of December, ensuring the delivery of two pounds of rice per consumer.

Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook that this rice will be distributed not only in her territory but also in the other eastern provinces.

Facebook Capture / Beatriz Johnson Urrutia

The operation, he detailed, involves brigades working intensively to expedite the offloading of the important food item, which is sold informally at high prices.

The information was also shared on social media by the official broadcaster CMKC Radio Revolución, which highlighted in its Facebook profile the "efforts" made to ensure that rice reaches the population as soon as possible.

Capture Facebook / CMKC Radio Revolución

This delay in distribution, corresponding to the previous month, highlights the difficulties that Cubans face in accessing basic products amid a prolonged economic crisis.

At the end of December, the regulated food supplies finally arrived at the warehouses in Santiago de Cuba, which are not only ridiculous, but the government isn't even capable of ensuring timely delivery.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINICIN) announced the list of products that arrive later each month at the warehouses.

According to the information shared on , each consumer was given two pounds of rice, two pounds of sugar, 10 ounces of peas, a 115-gram package of coffee, oil, salt (according to the family composition), and powdered milk for children aged zero to two years.

And to make matters worse, the rice not only arrived late to homes, but it also was dirty and infested with weevils, as reported by consumers on social media.

Recently, the Cuban regime announced an unprecedented agreement in which it transfers agricultural land to a Vietnamese company for rice production.

According to the note published this Wednesday in Granma, the initiative covers 308 hectares in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, with plans to expand up to 5,000 hectares in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Distribution of Basic Products in Cuba

What does the December alimony payment include in Santiago de Cuba?

The December food quota in Santiago de Cuba includes two pounds of rice, two pounds of sugar, 10 ounces of split peas, a 115-gram package of coffee, oil, salt, and powdered milk for children aged zero to two years. However, the delivery of these products has faced significant delays.

Why are there delays in the distribution of the basic food basket in Cuba?

Delays in the distribution of the basic basket in Cuba are due to logistical issues, transportation problems, and a lack of financial resources. These factors complicate the timely delivery of essential food items to the population, which is already facing a prolonged economic crisis.

How is the removal of subsidies affecting the basic basket in Cuba?

The removal of subsidies for the basic basket in Cuba is deepening public discontent and increasing difficulties for families who depend on regulated products for survival. This measure has resulted in long lines and delays in the delivery of essential products.

What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the food shortage?

The Cuban government has announced plans to redirect subsidies to people in vulnerable situations, although specific mechanisms have not been detailed. However, these measures have been insufficient to address the food crisis affecting the island.

What is the current state of rice distribution in Cuba?

The rice distributed in Cuba arrives late, dirty, and with weevils, reflecting the deterioration of the food distribution system on the island. This situation has been reported by citizens, who are facing a severe food crisis.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.