A street vendor decided to give away his goods to the Cubans passing through the area where he was intercepted by the police, before his products were confiscated by the regime's enforcers in Havana.
The incident became known on the social media of reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who posted a video of the event that the vendor participated in this Friday.
"Neither for you nor for me, but for the people," the self-employed individual stated as the authorities were about to seize his merchandise.
In the corner of an area not yet disclosed, dozens of people were gathering the food left there for the community by the vendor. Some placed the groceries into bags, while others hurried away with them in their hands.
Although several people benefited from the action and it was praised by some internet users, the majority criticized those who approached the stall and condemned them for taking the products earned through the labor of the vendor.
"And the people laughing hysterically carrying everything. That's not stolen, that's an inverted sacrifice. Thanks to the street vendors, we can eat salads and root vegetables. Because the Government neither gives nor indicates where to find food, and when they do sell something, it's when it's already spoiled," stated one person.
In contrast, another person questioned why those present did not come to the seller's defense, saying: "And people are willing to take the merchandise home. How could they not have come to his defense? So much pain, so much sacrifice from that poor boy."
In recent days, the official spokesperson, Lisandra Martín described the announced wave of seizures against the private sector in the neighborhoods as a "Pyrrhic victory."
Martín acknowledged that these sales may be illegal and overpriced, such as a package of chicken for 4,000 pesos, but he questioned the government's lack of consistency in allowing other exorbitant prices in state stores, like a pork loin for 62 USD.
The official communicator emphasized that the harassment of private businesses particularly affects the most vulnerable communities, where informal offerings compensate for the shortcomings of the official distribution system.
Recently, a vendor was arrested by the police in the neighborhood of Lawton, in the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre, and the reaction of the witnesses was to loot the sales point, taking the food supplies.
This act reflects the desperation of the population due to food shortages and the sense of injustice felt towards the authorities. The situation sparked a variety of comments on social media, ranging from criticism of the Cuban government to expressions of shame regarding the behavior of the people.
The scarcity of basic products and high prices in the market make obtaining food a daily struggle for many Cuban families, reflecting the lack of effective responses from the government.
Frequently Asked Questions about seizures and the social situation in Cuba
Why did the cart driver decide to give away his goods instead of handing them over to the police?
The street vendor decided to give away his goods to passersby to prevent them from being seized by the police, as an act of resistance against the authorities and a gesture of solidarity with the Cuban people, who are facing a severe food shortage.
What was the public's reaction to the carter's actions in Havana?
The audience's reaction was mixed: some people joyfully took the products, while others criticized those who accepted the food, arguing that they should have defended the vendor instead of benefiting from his sacrifice.
What criticisms has the Cuban government received regarding the seizures from independent vendors?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of coherence in allowing exorbitant prices in state-run stores while cracking down on private vendors for alleged illegal sales. The repression against the private sector is seen as an unfair act that exacerbates the living conditions of the most vulnerable citizens.
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