Cuban content creator Sheyla, known on TikTok as @sheyreyes03, showcased in a video the dire situation of the grocery store in her neighborhood, located on the ground floor of a microbrigade building.
The space, adapted from an apartment, reflects a state of precariousness and neglect. It is characterized by empty shelves, an old mechanical scale, and the delayed arrival of basic food supplies.
"Now they sold the rice from three months ago," Sheyla explained as she pointed to the line formed to buy a product that should have been distributed much earlier.
In addition to rice, consumers received a few pounds of sugar, which was also delayed. Despite the scarcity and the delays, the population continues to depend on these limited products.
"This supply notebook can be discarded at any moment because practically nothing comes through the warehouse anymore, but what does come is purchased," he stated.
The food crisis in Cuba worsens, with an obsolete distribution system that lacks the capacity to ensure a minimum coverage.
The ration book, which has been a symbol of rationing on the island for decades, is destined to disappear. This was announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during his address at the National Assembly in December 2024.
"This impacts the budget; we are searching for mechanisms and will implement it gradually, product by product, but it is a path that has no turning back", stated Marrero.
In the comments on Sheyla's video, the disbelief of users from other countries was evident. The most common question: Is that rice paid for or is it free? The Cuban's response was clear: Everything is paid for here, although the quality and quantity are increasingly diminished.
The Cuban bodegas before 1959 were a symbol of abundance and accessibility of products for consumers, but today they are empty storefronts that reflect the failure of the state’s management to meet the most basic needs of its population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food and Social Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of warehouses in Cuba?
The warehouses in Cuba are in a state of neglect and abandonment, with empty shelves and a late arrival of basic food items like rice and sugar. When these products finally arrive, they do so with delays and in insufficient quantities, reflecting the failure of the state distribution system.
Why does the rice in Cuba arrive late and in poor condition?
Rice and other basic products arrive late and in poor condition due to dependence on imports, logistical and financial issues, and the inefficiency of the state-controlled distribution system. This exacerbates the food crisis facing the Cuban population.
How does the elimination of the rationing booklet affect Cubans?
The elimination of the ration book exposes Cubans to greater scarcity and higher prices, increasing the difficulties in accessing basic products. This measure has generated discontent and concern among the population, which is already facing rampant inflation and insufficient wages.
What impact does the dollarization of services have in Cuba?
The dollarization of services such as mobile data increases the economic gap between those who have access to foreign currencies and those who depend on the national currency, further complicating access to essential services for the majority of Cubans who receive their salaries in pesos.
How does popular discontent manifest in Cuba in light of the current crisis?
The popular discontent in Cuba is expressed through social media and virtual protests, where citizens share their experiences of scarcity and criticisms of the government. Platforms like TikTok have become a space to denounce the situation and express frustration with the regime's economic measures.
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