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A journalist from the British newspaper The Times visited Cuba and shared her experience in an article titled "Inside a Hungry and Ruined Cuba, Where One in Ten People Has Fled."
Louise Callaghan described the reality of the country, where ordinary people live and think very differently from the elites in power.
"Ask the rulers of the island and they will say that the revolutionary dream is still alive. But for ordinary Cubans affected by rising food prices, it has never felt further away," he stated.
The journalist emphasizes that after 66 years, many Cubans say their lives are worse than ever and that the communist rulers are becoming increasingly paranoid and repressive.
"The government still tries to project a sanitized image of a socialist paradise to the outside world. But in reality, this is a country where people go hungry, where diplomats and retired professors depend on their children living abroad to send them money to be able to eat," he emphasized.
The article emphasizes the small towns, where only "the very poor, the sick, the elderly, and the particularly patriotic" remain.
The journalist visited the town of San Felipe, an hour and a half from Havana, where from a population of 2,000 inhabitants, only those who cannot leave remain now.
"In the main square, the only people present are a woman sitting on a bench in the shade of the crumbling church and a group of five men crouched on the porch of an old mansion, trying to fix a bicycle with a hammer. Everything feels empty," he described.
The report addresses other issues, such as the high food prices in contrast to low wages, the deterioration of once-famous sectors like healthcare and education, and the government's repression that keeps hundreds of political prisoners incarcerated.
The text concludes that the crisis caused by international sanctions and poor state management led to a massive exodus, especially of young people, noting that between 2022 and 2023, one in ten Cubans—nearly a million—left the country, mostly heading to the United States.
"This time, the threat to the Cuban revolution is not an invasion supported by the United States or the collapse of the Soviet Union, but a gradual dismantling of Cuba's future as young people abandon their prospects," asserts the author of the publication.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
The economic situation in Cuba is critical, marked by a severe shortage of basic products, inflation, and a massive exodus of the population. Food prices have risen significantly, while wages remain low, making it difficult to access essential goods. Additionally, the lack of structural reforms and economic centralization have perpetuated dependence on external aid.
How does the crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The crisis affects all aspects of daily life in Cuba, from food to access to basic services. The shortage of food and medicine is severe, forcing many Cubans to rely on remittances sent by family members abroad. Constant blackouts and the lack of adequate infrastructure further exacerbate the situation, creating an environment of unsanitary conditions and widespread discontent.
What is the situation of tourism in Cuba amid the crisis?
Despite the Cuban government's promotion, tourism in Cuba is in crisis. The tourist streets are deserted, and services for visitors are limited due to resource shortages and power outages. Although investments have been made in new hotels, they have not succeeded in attracting enough visitors, reflecting a disconnect between the government's expectations and the reality facing the country.
What role do humanitarian aid play in the current situation in Cuba?
Humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine donations, is crucial for temporarily alleviating shortages in Cuba. However, this aid does not address the structural problems of the country, which require deep economic reforms. The official narrative tends to blame the U.S. embargo for these deficiencies, although many critics point to internal inefficiency and mismanagement as the primary causes.
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