Related videos:
The former spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and one of the so-called "Five Heroes," published a message on Facebook praising the mipyme MEC Surl for delivering retirement checkbooks in cash and at home to elderly residents of the Playa municipality in Havana, instead of requiring them to go to the bank.
The post, accompanied by photos of workers visiting retirees in their homes, celebrated the initiative and concluded: "The more non-state entities that support it, the more retirees can benefit. Yes, we can!"
While the gesture of the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise is commendable and undoubtedly benefits its recipients, the announcement sparked an avalanche of criticism directed at two main issues: the inadequacy of pensions and the state's failure to fulfill its basic functions.
The journalist Javier Díaz, host and reporter for Univisión 23 Miami, was one of the first to react: "And what good will it do them? They'll spend it on the first day and then what?"
Lisset Ramos responded with irony, listing the expenses that the pension must cover: "What a tremendous achievement, now with that little bit of money, we can buy food, medicine, hygiene products, pay for electricity, water, gas, and take a taxi to the doctor if necessary, and with whatever is left, treat ourselves to something nice. It's truly amazing."
Arnold Mora was straightforward: "Do you think you can live on 3,000 pesos? Pensions should be increased for a dignified old age."
Following the increase implemented in September 2025, the minimum pension in Cuba was set at 3,056 pesos and the maximum at 4,000 pesos per month.
At the informal exchange rate at that time, the 4,000 pesos amounted to just 8.9 dollars, an amount insufficient to cover basic food: a bucket of eggs cost 3,300 pesos and a kilogram of chicken breast, 5,000 pesos.
Mirelys Karla summarized it this way: "Very well, but the question is how many days it lasts. People who have worked their entire lives cannot even cover a week."
Leonardo Vázquez was more emphatic: "A whole life working for a paycheck that doesn't even cover the cost of meals."
The State relying on private entities to distribute pensions
The second axis of criticism questioned that the Cuban State, which has historically defined itself as self-sufficient, now needs to rely on private companies to distribute pensions.
Elexys Álvarez Molina addressed it directly in the thread: "Gerry, a genuine question because there’s something that doesn’t quite add up. If this is a basic function of the State, why does it now need to rely on small and medium enterprises? Is it support or a sign that the system cannot sustain itself?"
Dimany Cabrera Hernández was more blunt: "The role of the state is now performed by private entities, which shows that the state model is not functional."
Yaksenia Ramírez Ramírez added: "Now the state enterprises need to be supported by non-state forms, it's like an infinite puzzle."
Several users also pointed out that the benefit is limited and unequal. Blanca Luna clarified that "it's only for disabled retirees, the rest have to stand in line," while Beatriz Armesto noted that "the others sleep at the doors of the banks."
Odalys Tellería Rodríguez reported on the territorial gap: "Everything is in Havana, in Matanzas, the small and medium-sized enterprises do not accept transfers."
Daylis Céspedes summed up the feelings of many: "They should be ashamed of not being able to guarantee the basics, including paying the pension."
Leandro Santos closed with a phrase that captured the widespread skepticism: "For the photo, shame has already been lost."
Filed under: