A young Cuban showcased on TikTok what she was able to buy with 1,500 Cuban pesos, the equivalent of the minimum pension received by many retirees on the island, after reading a comment on social media claiming that no one in Cuba suffers from hunger or need.
The user identified as @yaneisycanta_98, also known for her music videos, reacted with indignation to that statement and decided to record a video to refute it. “Today I went out with 1,500 Cuban pesos, which is what a retiree earns in a month,” she explained while showing her purchase. “You’re going to be amazed at what I bought with that money: I could only buy a small bag of noodles and a bottle of oil. That's it, gentlemen, nothing more,” she detailed.
With what she acquired, she prepared a soup, although she clarified that the meat she added was already stored. “If it were up to the 1,500 pesos, the soup would come on its own and clear,” she said. In a sarcastic tone, she added that she squeezed in some lemon, because “lemon is the base of everything,” referring to the phrase once said by Díaz-Canel that became the source of memes and criticism. At the end of the video, she concluded: “Cubans really do go hungry and are in need, especially our elderly. So, if you have the opportunity to help someone, do it.”
The content generated a wave of reactions on TikTok. While many users supported her and expressed empathy for bringing attention to the situation of older adults on the island, others focused on criticizing her appearance. Some comments questioned how she could talk about hunger if she had "well-groomed nails" or looked well put together. Others accused her of exaggerating, claiming that "if they start producing food and chicken, prices will drop." There were even those who suggested it was a strategy to ask for money, to which the young woman responded clearly: "The video is meant to inform, for many to understand the reality of some (not all) Cubans. I'm not asking for anything; I'm not telling anyone that I want money. I'm sharing what an elderly person earns from their pension."
Beyond personal criticisms, the post was also used by internet users to express political opinions. Many comments pointed directly to the communist system as the cause of hunger and poverty in Cuba. Phrases like "that's what communism does: it destroys everything it touches" and "this is how the communist rats want to see Venezuela" were prevalent among the messages. There were also those from other countries who shared their concerns: "I hope things improve for your country," wrote a user from the United States, while others from Venezuela or Chile warned that they did not want to experience a similar situation.
The situation reported by the young woman is supported by official figures. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the average monthly salary in Cuba is equivalent to about 17 dollars at the informal exchange rate, and the minimum pension is just over 4 dollars.
A recent analysis by engineer and entrepreneur Yulieta Hernández Díaz revealed that a retiree can only buy, with their pension, four grams of rice, 2.6 milliliters of oil, or 1/10 of an egg for each hour of the day. The calculation demonstrates the severe food insecurity they face.
Similar cases have shown retirees who spend their entire pension on a single product, such as a bottle of oil, or young people who document that, with 1,500 pesos, you can only buy rice, eggs, and a bit of ground beef. The purchasing power of the minimum pension is insufficient for even a basic diet.
In light of the lack of resources and rising inflation, some citizens have chosen to engage in acts of solidarity. Like Sheyla, a young woman from Matanzas who cooks for a retired neighbor and shares what little she has.
In the midst of this reality, the phrase “the soup would come by itself and clear,” spoken by @yaneisycanta_98, has become a symbol of the dire situation faced by thousands of elderly Cubans. Her video not only highlights the scarcity but also the lack of dignity with which many confront their old age after a lifetime of work, without the system that employed them ensuring a secure and nourished retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Retirees in Cuba
What can a retiree in Cuba buy with their minimum pension?
With a minimum pension of 1,500 Cuban pesos, which is approximately equivalent to 4 dollars, a retiree can barely afford basic products such as a pack of noodles and a bottle of oil. Other examples include rice, beans, and eggs, but always in very limited quantities, highlighting the severe food insecurity they face.
How does the communist system affect the economic situation of Cuban retirees?
Many Cubans and international observers criticize the communist system as the root of hunger and poverty in Cuba. The lack of economic freedom and the centralization of resources have led to unchecked inflation and a shortage of basic products. This situation is especially critical for retirees who rely on insufficient pensions to meet their basic needs.
How many retirees live on the minimum pension in Cuba?
According to official data, nearly 40% of retirees in Cuba live on the minimum pension of 1,528 Cuban pesos per month. This figure highlights the magnitude of the problem, as this amount is not enough to cover even a basic diet in the context of the high inflation and shortages the island is facing.
What solutions are being proposed to improve the situation of retirees in Cuba?
Until now, no concrete solutions have been implemented by the Cuban government to improve the situation of retirees. The dissolution of the National Institute of Social Security and the decentralization of its functions have not brought about any improvements. Instead, citizen solidarity has emerged as a means of support, with young people and communities helping the elderly meet some of their basic needs.
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