The absurdity and senselessness of the regime knows no bounds: now, in a new chapter of praise for Fidel Castro, the government inaugurated community kitchens in Guantánamo with the capacity to feed only ten people at each facility.
The official newspaper Granma reported that the country's first Community Food Home was opened in the Cayamo community, Caimanera, as part of the activities honoring Castro's 99th birthday.
These spaces, according to the official version, aim to complement the Family Care System, a program that has faced limitations due to a lack of resources, capacity, and infrastructure in remote areas.
Each center is designed to accommodate only 10 elderly individuals in vulnerable situations, a number that is insufficient given the growing number of people facing food insecurity in the country.
Along with the one in Cayamo, 13 similar dining facilities were opened in the municipality of El Salvador, one in San Antonio del Sur and five in Niceto Pérez, bringing the total to 20.
Local and national authorities presented the project as a "significant step" in strengthening social care in vulnerable communities in Guantánamo, when in reality it is nothing more than an official acknowledgment of the breakdown that prevails in society.
The inaugurations were attended by Yoel Pérez García, first secretary of the Party in Guantánamo, and Betsy Díaz Velázquez, Minister of Domestic Trade, along with leaders of political organizations and mass organizations.
The event was also accompanied by the reopening of the collection point La Cidra in El Salvador, linked to the food sovereignty program, which aims to benefit 258 producers in the area.
Although the government insists on presenting the initiative as an achievement, the symbolism of cafeterias with capacity for only a handful of people in a country with millions in need highlights the contradiction between the discourse of social justice and the magnitude of the food crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
While the government promotes symbolic inaugurations such as the dining halls in Guantánamo, the reality of the country reflects a deep food crisis. Recently, a video showed a retiree barely surviving on her pension and dying of hunger, a testimony that illustrates the deterioration of social security on the island.
A few days ago, an elderly man publicly stated that he lives in neglect and hunger, highlighting the plight faced by thousands of elderly individuals, despite the official narrative of social protection.
Even citizens themselves have tried to alleviate the crisis through solidarity. Street aid from neighbors and activists has highlighted the precariousness of daily life, showing how the lack of state resources forces the population to rely on community gestures for survival.
In this same vein of the regime, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez had the audacity this Monday to claim that the increase in pensions approved by the government is a demonstration of the Revolution's policy of “not leaving anyone behind” and of “protecting and respecting the elderly.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Celebration of Fidel Castro's Birthday in Guantánamo
What was inaugurated in Guantánamo in tribute to Fidel Castro?
Community kitchens were inaugurated in Guantánamo with the capacity to feed only ten people per installation. These were presented as an advancement in the social care system, although the capacity is insufficient given the current need.
What is the purpose of the new community kitchens in Cuba?
According to the government, these dining facilities aim to complement the Family Assistance System in vulnerable areas. However, their capacity for only ten people highlights the contradiction between the official discourse and the reality of the food crisis in Cuba.
How is the celebration of Fidel Castro's birthday perceived?
The celebration, which included events and the opening of dining halls, is seen as a propaganda strategy of the government to keep the image of Fidel Castro alive, while ignoring the urgent needs of the Cuban population.
What criticisms is the Cuban government facing regarding its current policies?
The Cuban government faces criticism for prioritizing propaganda and the cult of Fidel Castro's figure over real solutions to the economic and food crisis that severely impacts the population, which endures blackouts, food shortages, and rising poverty.
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