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The recent post on Facebook by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Santiago, announcing the distribution of 14 pounds of rice through the basic food basket, has generated an avalanche of reactions.
Johnson Urrutia said that "starting at noon this Thursday, the 7 pounds of rice for January will be distributed; and next the 7 for the month of February." He assured that more than 60 trucks will be distributing rice daily at the various warehouses in the province.
In less than 12 hours, the post garnered over 2,500 comments and was shared more than 700 times, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue amidst the severe food crisis the country is facing.
The news sparked diverse reactions. While some residents of Santiago celebrated it as a temporary relief, others received it with skepticism and frustration.
“Look over there at what’s making news in Cuba; you only see this here. And right away, the ciberclarias are holding on and expressing their gratitude. What a shame, how far have we Cubans come. It’s just another way to entertain the people so they don’t see that they’ve plunged an entire country into misery,” commented an outraged user.
Another internet user expressed their disbelief at the announcement: "Could it be true? Which Thursday, March or April? We're all speechless and breathless, utterly exhausted."
Meanwhile, many Cubans expressed gratitude for the news, although with the hope that distribution remains stable over time, which is highly unlikely.
"God willing, the basic basket will remain stable each month, because what we have gone through in these times is not easy. One must have courage to see people eating from the trash, as I have seen," wrote another commenter.
The announced distribution stands in stark contrast to the reality of state-run warehouses, where shortages are a constant issue.
"The stores are just for show, they don't sell anything. And on the day something arrives, if the power goes out, they don't sell. As for the butcher shop, let's not even talk about it; they haven't sold anything since December, when they had chicken. Everything has to be bought from the small and medium enterprises," another user reported.
The price of rice on the black market ranges from 250 to 300 pesos, an unaffordable price for most Cuban families. In Camagüey, the government set the price at 155 pesos, leading to the closure of private sales stands in protest.
The announcement from Johnson Urrutia comes in a context marked by uncertainty following Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's statement in December 2024, when he asserted that the elimination of the supply booklet is irreversible and will be implemented gradually.
The delivery of the 14 pounds of rice could temporarily alleviate the difficult food situation for many Cuban families, but most are wondering whether this measure will be sustained or if, as has happened on other occasions, it will be yet another empty promise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice Distribution and the Food Crisis in Cuba
How many pounds of rice are being distributed in Santiago de Cuba?
14 pounds of rice are being distributed per basic basket in Santiago de Cuba, divided between the deliveries of January and February. This measure aims to temporarily alleviate the food crisis that the country is facing.
What has been the population's reaction to the distribution of rice?
The reaction has been mixed. While some citizens appreciate the temporary relief, others express skepticism and frustration due to the lack of consistency in the food distribution by the government, reflecting public discontent amidst the food crisis.
Why is there still a shortage of rice and other basic goods in Cuba?
The shortage is due to logistical, financial problems, and low domestic production. The dependence on imports for essential products further complicates the situation, as the country faces a severe economic crisis that impacts the availability of food.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve food distribution?
The Cuban government has announced efforts to improve logistics and distribution, but these measures have been insufficient and the quality of the products remains poor. Distribution largely depends on the arrival of imports, which creates uncertainty about the continuous availability of food.
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