The Cuban user @yaneisycanta_98 responded emphatically to a comment she received on TikTok: "Also include what the government gives you."
In his video, he stated: “In Cuba, nothing is given for free, let's start from there,” and pointed out that those who believe otherwise are probably referring to the ration book. “I imagine you are talking about this, the food ration book that the government provides. You may not know this, but that is not free; it's a bit economical, but it's not free, no,” he expressed.
The young woman added that what one receives through that channel is scarce and, many times, doesn’t even arrive: “Nowadays, what they give you are just a few pounds of rice, when there is any, a few pounds of beans, when there is any, sugar is almost never available, and don’t get me started on coffee.” She also rejected the idea that medical care is free: “Even going to a hospital isn’t free because you have to bring everything. There’s nothing left.”
In her message, she urged the person who questioned her to get better informed: “I invite you to educate yourself because the government doesn't give anything away, my child, no, it doesn’t give absolutely anything.” She also called on the rest of the Cubans watching her: “And if there is any Cuban watching this video, please, don’t let me lie and tell me if I am speaking the truth or a lie, because everything here has a cost.”
The video sparked reactions in the comments, where many people supported the testimony. One user wrote: “I live in the USA and every month I send money and food to Cuba through an agency. It goes without saying that my family lacks for nothing. Do you really think that just because my family is doing well thanks to me, I would dare to say that everyone in Cuba is okay? Let’s think a little, please.” Another person added: “None of that was ever free. You always had to buy the uniforms, and right now, there aren't even any uniforms available.”
There were also those who compared that reality to that of other countries: “Nothing is given away in any country in Latin America; everything is paid for, so what's the problem?” one user commented. Some defended what they experienced in past decades: “Schools, books, uniforms, and transportation to schools were free among other things,” someone remarked. However, another person responded, “How many years ago was that? Because I’ve been abroad for 20 years, and by the time I left, there was hardly anything left.”
That new video from @yaneisycanta_98 adds to her other videos in which she has described the everyday struggles faced by Cubans. In one of them, she stated that many people on the island "go out to scrape together a plate of food" and that the state salary is insufficient even for basic needs. She also explained that those who work for themselves manage to get by a little better, but that most barely survive.
On another occasion, he showed what he could buy with the minimum pension of a retiree: "I could only buy a small bag of noodles and a bottle of oil. That's it, sir, nothing more."
His testimony aligns with the experiences of other citizens who have reported the deterioration of the healthcare system. The case of a child in a coma whose family cannot find the medication baclofen is one of the most recent examples of critical shortages in hospitals.
It was also reported about a Cuban who revealed that his father was operated on in a hospital in Havana without care or medication. "There is no metoclopramide, there are no medicines, there is no Levin," he said at that time.
This is compounded by the case of a newborn who had to be carried down the stairs of a hospital because the elevator was broken, highlighting the critical condition of the medical infrastructure on the island.
Regarding food supply, a young woman showed on TikTok that the meat section of her ration book was completely empty and that many times even the delayed products from the previous year are not distributed.
The authorities themselves have acknowledged the system's inability to meet basic needs. The Minister of Public Health admitted that the country only covers 30% of the basic medication list, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade recognized structural failures in the ration book and the inability to sustain subsidies.
More than an isolated opinion, the words of this young Cuban are part of a collective narrative that is echoed in multiple testimonies both inside and outside the island: in Cuba, an increasing number of people must pay out of pocket for what was considered guaranteed by the state for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation in Cuba Based on Social Media Testimonies
Is healthcare really free in Cuba?
No, healthcare in Cuba is not completely free. Although the Cuban government promotes public health as an achievement of the socialist system, in practice, patients often have to bring their own supplies such as syringes, medications, and often even water. The scarcity of resources and the lack of basic supplies are recurring issues in Cuban hospitals.
What does the supply booklet in Cuba really include?
The supply booklet in Cuba offers very limited and scarce products. Cubans receive small amounts of basic foods such as rice, beans, and sugar, when they are available. However, these products are not free and do not meet a family's nutritional needs. The distribution system is widely criticized for its inefficiency and shortages.
What are the current conditions of infrastructure and services in rural areas of Cuba?
The infrastructure and service conditions in rural areas of Cuba are precarious. According to testimonies, many areas face issues of unsanitary conditions, with destroyed streets, stagnant water, and accumulated garbage. These situations reflect neglect by the authorities and a lack of effective state management to address the everyday problems of the residents.
What is the perception of Cuban émigrés regarding the situation in Cuba?
Many emigrated Cubans perceive the situation in Cuba as serious and deteriorating. From abroad, Cubans report on the lack of food, medical supplies, and economic hardship. Additionally, they face the pressure to send remittances to support their families, which creates emotional strain as they see that, despite their efforts, conditions on the island do not substantially improve.
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