The food crisis in Cuba continues to worsen, leaving many families without access to basic products that should be guaranteed by the rationing booklet.
Chicken, fish, eggs, mortadella, and even the regulated picadillo have disappeared from state markets, citizens themselves report.
In the midst of this difficult situation, the Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer spoke with a group of needy individuals, to whom he promised that he would provide chicken for lunch on Friday.
During the conversation, Ferrer asked: “Since when have you not received chicken from the ration book?” The response was unanimous and disheartening: “We lost track”, several people expressed, mostly elderly individuals waiting for food.
"Chicken is not available through the ration book, nor fish or anything else. Not even eggs," lamented those present, who also noted that bologna and ground beef have not been distributed in the store for some time.
Under this reality, Ferrer questioned whether it was worth continuing to organize the solidarity lunches. “Yes,” the beneficiaries responded in unison, highlighting the importance of these supportive spaces amidst the scarcity.
"We must continue to thank those who help from exile", they added, acknowledging the support they receive from outside the island to be able to feed themselves amid the crisis.
Through his social media, the opposition leader highlighted the work of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), which provides assistance to hundreds of people in vulnerable situations thanks to the support of Cuban exiles.
"#UNPACU assists, thanks to the help of generous exiled Cubans, hundreds of vulnerable people, political prisoners, and persecuted activists living in extreme poverty. Anyone who does not understand the importance of solidarity with the most needy, anyone who does not grasp the value of helping to save lives, anyone who does not comprehend the necessity of uniting political activism and humanitarian efforts may be anti-communist, but will never have the support or respect of the suffering people," wrote Ferrer.
The opposition member emphasized that indifference to the suffering of the people only reinforces the perception that those who do not help have "souls very similar to those who currently enslave and oppress them."
According to their posts on X (previously Twitter), on March 18, a day that commemorates the start of the Black Spring in Cuba, the UNPACU was able to provide food for 462 vulnerable individuals, as well as assist 26 people who requested medical help.
However, Ferrer reported that the repression against his work continues to escalate, with daily detentions and repressive actions against those who collaborate with the organization.
As an example, he mentioned the case of Idudni Garcés, a motorist whose motorcycle was confiscated for having made a few trips for UNPACU.
According to Ferrer, Garcés was left without his means of support, despite having a blind mother, a bedridden uncle, and children to take care of.
Meanwhile, the food shortage continues to affect Cubans, who are increasingly relying on the informal market and assistance from organizations and exiles to feed themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba and the Activism of José Daniel Ferrer
What is the current situation of the food crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
The food crisis in Santiago de Cuba is severe, with the disappearance of basic products like chicken, fish, eggs, and mortadella from state markets. The population increasingly relies on external aid and the informal market to feed themselves.
What role does José Daniel Ferrer play in aiding the most disadvantaged people in Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer leads the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), which provides food and medical assistance to hundreds of vulnerable individuals in Santiago de Cuba, thanks to the support of Cuban exiles. Despite the regime's repression, Ferrer continues to organize solidarity lunches and distribute food from his home.
How does the repression of the Cuban regime affect the work of José Daniel Ferrer?
The repression of the Cuban regime significantly affects the work of José Daniel Ferrer, who faces frequent detentions, threats, and constant harassment. The authorities attempt to hinder his humanitarian activities by intimidating those who collaborate with him and confiscating property, seeking to isolate him and halt his impact on the community.
What support does UNPACU receive from the international community and Cuban exiles?
UNPACU receives significant support from Cuban exiles, who send donations to sustain the humanitarian work of the organization. However, the international community, especially the European Union, has shown little interest in the human rights situation in Cuba, according to complaints from Ferrer.
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