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Amid a growing health crisis and as thousands of families in Santiago still struggle to recover from the impact of the hurricane Melissa, local authorities continue to sell expired cans of fish, as reported by activist Elías Navarro on his Facebook profile.
The cans—with an expiration date of November 5, 2025, meaning 15 days after their expiry—are sold for 40 Cuban pesos, even among those affected by the cyclone and individuals impacted by the outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya that are affecting the province.
The complaint: "Where are the donations?"
Navarro published images of the expired cans along with a powerful message: “Do you think it is fair to sell to a people contaminated by various viruses, in the midst of a health emergency, cans that expired 15 days ago? Where are the fresh products donated by various countries and international organizations?”
The activist recalled that while Jamaica distributes free donations following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Cuba, low-quality food is being sold, even in affected areas and under critical epidemiological conditions.
Attacks, extremism, and censorship on social media
Navarro explained that a user aligned with the regime accused him of being a "traitor" and called for him to be "prosecuted" for reporting that food was being sold instead of being distributed to those in need.
The official commentator wrote: "They have been delivered, not sold. Those who write this way should be prosecuted for slander and treason."
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada had already raised the alarm about the scandal
On November 9, journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, known for his rigor and closeness to Cuban reality, had denounced the same situation: “Old can in brine, poorly dressed story; Santiago asks for help and they sell him spoiled fish. Tell me ‘Johnson’, is this brined mackerel for eating or for feeding the animals?”
Their posts exactly foreshadowed the issue that is now exploding on social media: the State is selling expired products in a province battered by a hurricane, epidemics, and hunger.
A sick community with no alternatives
This new episode unfolds in Santiago de Cuba, which is facing: low percentage of recovery of the electrical service after Melissa, explosive growth of arboviral diseases, hospitals without medicines or sufficient staff, widespread food shortages, and an exhausted and vulnerable population.
In that context, the sale of expired food not only highlights institutional negligence but also reflects a deep lack of ethics towards communities that today survive amid mosquitoes, power outages, blocked streets, and destroyed roofs.
The question that remains unanswered
If thousands of tons of humanitarian aid have arrived in the country, including shipments from Venezuela, Mexico, and international organizations, why are the victims receiving expired and paid food?
Meanwhile, those responsible for these decisions remain silent. And the people—once again—pay the consequences.
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