In a recent address on national television, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reassured the public that his government has taken significant steps to secure the supply of key subsidized food rations for the population of 11 million. Diaz-Canel emphasized the efforts made by the government to address widespread shortages and ensure better prospects for the months of April and May. Despite the recent protests that erupted due to shortages, the Cuban government remains committed to guaranteeing the people access to essential foods.
Since Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959, Cuba has provided its citizens with a monthly ration of basic commodities such as rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, and coffee. However, due to economic crises over the years, the deliveries of these essential items have been scaled back, leading to shortages and high prices. The recent protests were fueled by a combination of food shortages and prolonged blackouts lasting 10-20 hours in different parts of the country.
Following the protests that erupted in Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Matanzas, the government took swift action to ramp up electricity generation, effectively reducing blackouts that have plagued the island for months. Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Oscar Pérez, announced on a state-run newscast that basic food items would be guaranteed until June, including rice, wheat flour for bread production, and milk for children. Despite the challenges faced by Cuba’s economy, the government is working tirelessly to ensure the availability of essential food supplies to its citizens.
The Cuban government’s food ration program incurs a monthly cost of $230 million, highlighting the strain on the country’s resources. Factors such as tough U.S. sanctions, an inefficient state-run economy, and a tourism industry struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to Cuba’s financial difficulties. The government is faced with the challenge of raising the necessary funds to support its social programs and provide for the needs of its population.
The recent efforts by Cuban President Diaz-Canel to address food shortages and secure subsidized food rations demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens. Despite the economic challenges faced by the country, Cuba remains resilient in its determination to provide essential food supplies to the population.
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