The Spanish influencer Juanjo Dalmau documented during his recent visit to Cuba the difficult journey to buy milk for a Cuban father who asked for it for his daughter. The video shows how Dalmau accompanies a Cuban father in his search for a bag of milk for his daughter, visiting several stores in Havana without success.
"The milk is gone, it doesn't exist," explains the father, Darwin Valdés, after receiving repeated rejections at various stores. His remark summarizes a critical situation affecting the entire island.
After visiting at least four stores, Dalmau manages to buy powdered milk at a particular Mipyme for a price of 200 Cuban pesos per bag. "Thank you so much for existing," Valdés gratefully exclaims, excited as he receives the product meant for his young daughter.
Dalmau's video went viral on social media, generating reactions of solidarity and concern regarding the situation in Cuba. Some users warned of possible reprisals against Valdés for speaking publicly about the crisis, while others expressed gratitude to the influencer for shedding light on the daily reality faced by the population.
The publication of the video sparked extensive debate on social media. Many users expressed solidarity and gratitude to the tourist for highlighting the situation facing the island: "Thank you for showing the reality we live under the communist dictatorship," "The reality cannot be hidden," and "Thank you for reflecting what is happening in Cuba." Others expressed concern for the Cuban featured in the video, asking, "Will the gentleman get into trouble for speaking publicly about his country's situation while being there?" and warning that "in Cuba, you cannot speak ill of the government without consequences." Strong criticisms of the political system also emerged, with messages like "Castros out of power. No more dictatorship in my Cuba" and "All this misery has one name: communism." Some comments attributed the crisis to the embargo, while others countered, "The problem is not the blockade; it’s the regime." There were also more skeptical voices questioning the protagonist's real need, pointing out, "That gentleman has glasses, a watch, earrings, and a better phone than I do," and "Sometimes those who dress the best are the ones who ask for the most." The reactions reflect the existing polarization surrounding the Cuban economic situation and the ongoing debate about its causes.
The odyssey documented by Dalmau is not an isolated incident. Other tourists have also reported similar difficulties during their stays on the island. A Bolivian tourist raised concerns about the lack of street lighting in rural areas of Viñales and Varadero, while another Spanish visitor was shocked by the deterioration of housing in Havana.
The milk crisis in Cuba has deep-rooted origins. In April, the company Río Zaza halted its production due to massive debts, directly impacting the supply meant for children and pregnant women. Last December, the Ministry of Domestic Trade announced the substitution of powdered milk in the basic food basket with chocolate mixes, and in January, it began distributing cola syrup as a substitute in several provinces.
At the beginning of this year, milk reappeared in dollarized supermarkets such as that of 3ra y 70 in Havana, but at prohibitive prices for those without access to foreign currency, further deepening social inequality. According to a recent UNICEF report, about 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food insecurity, a direct result of this ongoing crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supply Crisis in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of milk in Cuba?
The shortage of milk in Cuba is a manifestation of the economic crisis affecting the entire island. In April, the company Río Zaza halted its milk production due to millions in debts, directly impacting the supply for children and pregnant women. The situation has worsened with the replacement of powdered milk in the basic food basket with chocolate and cola syrup mixtures, increasing social inequality, as only dollar stores offer milk at prices that are prohibitive for many Cubans.
How does food scarcity affect Cuban families?
The food scarcity in Cuba forces families to visit multiple stores in search of basic products, often without success. This situation creates significant inequality, as those without access to foreign currency face greater challenges in obtaining food. Additionally, the provisioning booklet system proves inadequate, and the high prices in the informal market result in many families living in food poverty, particularly impacting children.
What reactions has the visit of YouTubers to Cuba generated?
YouTubers' visits to Cuba have generated mixed reactions. On one hand, there is appreciation for highlighting the reality faced by the island, while on the other hand, there are concerns about potential reprisals against Cubans who speak publicly about the crisis. The videos published have sparked debates on the causes of the crisis, with criticisms directed at the socialist regime and discussions on the impact of the U.S. embargo.
What is the current situation of supermarkets in Cuba?
Supermarkets in Cuba, especially those operating in dollars like the one at 3ra and 70 in Havana, have exorbitant prices for the majority of Cubans. These establishments are inaccessible to those who do not have access to foreign currency, which increases inequality. Despite being located in an exclusive area, these supermarkets also face supply issues, with empty shelves and a limited availability of essential products.
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