After the march of millions of Cubans this May Day despite the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the local newspaper Venceremos reported with great fanfare on its Facebook page that the first baby born today in Guantánamo received a gift basket.
The gift arrived through the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and the Central Workers' Organization of Cuba (CTC), and the delivery was led by none other than the convicted spy in the U.S. and now National Coordinator of the CDR, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, who was transformed by the regime into a "Hero of the Republic."
"The mother of Erika Fernanda Reyes Barrientos received a basket, which was presented on behalf of the Guantanamo people by the CDR and the CTC," reported the official publication.
The ceremony was attended by provincial political authorities, representatives from mass organizations, and local media, who congratulated the mother and wished health for the newborn, as part of the traditional symbolic event through which the government seeks to add a touch of humanity to its propaganda machinery.
The official narrative versus the reality on the streets
The contrast with real Cuba is overwhelming. While the arrival of a new life in the country is celebrated with cameras and slogans, millions of Cubans cannot provide even a basic crib for their children, nor milk, nor medicine, nor electricity to sterilize a bottle. Precarity strikes daily in Cuban homes, where childhood is not lived but merely survived.
In the capital, more than 600,000 people were mobilized by the regime to the Plaza de la Revolución, according to official figures. Nationwide, it is claimed that over 5.3 million Cubans participated in the events. However, the fuel that is scarce for hospitals and public transportation was guaranteed for the buses that transported the protesters.
A Fictional First of May
The presence of the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta, both dressed in patriotic t-shirts and Palestinian scarves, only reinforced the image of a regime that thrives on symbols while the people scrape by.
The baby basket in Guantánamo, with all its ribbons and new diapers, is merely a ceremonial anecdote, a postcard from a country that no longer exists. Behind every official act, there is a collapsed hospital, a desperate mother, and a person who cannot find a future.
Everything happens in a land where being born, growing up, or aging means taking part in a daily struggle to survive in silence, while those in power celebrate parades and distribute baskets amidst witnesses and cameras, but without a hint of shame.
Frequently asked questions about the situation in Cuba and the delivery of gift baskets
What does the delivery of gift baskets in Cuba on May First mean?
The delivery of gift baskets in Cuba during May Day is more of a symbolic act that reflects the regime's propaganda than a genuine improvement in the living conditions of Cubans. While this gesture is celebrated, most families in Cuba are facing a severe shortage of basic goods.
How does the Cuban reality contrast with the official events of May Day?
While the Cuban regime organizes parades and distributes gift baskets, the reality for many Cubans is one of scarcity and hardship. The lack of food, medicine, and basic services is a constant issue, highlighting the gap between official propaganda and the daily lives of the population.
Why does the Cuban government prioritize resources for the May Day marches?
The Cuban government allocates limited resources to the May Day marches to maintain an image of popular support, even though the reality in the streets is one of discontent and need. This focus on political propaganda over citizen welfare is criticized by many.
What is the impact of the economic crisis on the lives of Cubans?
The economic crisis in Cuba has resulted in a severe shortage of food, prolonged blackouts, and a collapse of basic services. This has led to a daily struggle for survival, especially among the most vulnerable sectors of society.
What criticism is made regarding the use of resources for propaganda in Cuba?
The main criticism is that the government prioritizes political propaganda over the basic needs of the population. The organization of parades and symbolic events consumes resources that could be allocated to improving the living conditions of Cubans.
Filed under: