A recent Facebook post by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Santiago, has sparked a massive response after she announced the distribution of 14 pounds of rice as part of the basic food basket. Johnson Urrutia stated that "starting from noon this Thursday, the 7 pounds of rice for January will be distributed; followed by the 7 pounds for February." She claimed that more than 60 trucks are tasked with delivering rice daily to various stores across the province.
Within just 12 hours, the post garnered over 2,500 comments and was shared more than 700 times, highlighting the sensitivity of the topic amid the severe food crisis in the country. The news elicited mixed reactions. While some residents of Santiago welcomed it as a temporary relief, others met it with skepticism and frustration.
"Look at what counts as news in Cuba. This kind of thing only happens here. And immediately the loyalists start expressing gratitude. It's outrageous; how far we've fallen as Cubans. Another way to distract the people from the fact that they have plunged an entire country into misery," remarked one disgruntled user.
Another commenter expressed disbelief at the announcement: "Is it true? Which Thursday, March or April? We're speechless and exhausted." Meanwhile, many Cubans expressed gratitude for the news, albeit with the hope that the distribution remains consistent over time—a prospect many find unlikely.
"God willing, the basic food basket is maintained each month, because it's been tough to endure these times. It takes courage to see people scavenging for food in trash bins, as I've witnessed," wrote another commentator.
Reality of State-Run Stores
The announced distribution starkly contrasts with the reality in state-run stores, where shortages are a constant issue. "The stores are just for show; they sell nothing. And on the days something arrives, if the power goes out, nothing is sold. Don't even mention the butcher shops; they haven't sold anything since December, when they had chicken. Everything has to be bought from private vendors," another user complained.
Rice on the black market ranges between 250 and 300 pesos per pound, a price out of reach for most Cuban families. In Camagüey, the government capped the price at 155 pesos, which led private sellers to close their stalls in protest.
Uncertain Future for Food Distribution
Johnson Urrutia's announcement comes amid uncertainty following Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's declaration in December 2024, where he asserted that the elimination of the ration book is irreversible and will be executed gradually. The provision of 14 pounds of rice might temporarily ease the dire food situation for many Cuban families, but most are left questioning whether this measure will persist or, as has often been the case, remain an unfulfilled promise.
FAQs on Cuban Rice Distribution and Food Crisis
Why did Beatriz Johnson Urrutia's post go viral?
Her announcement about the distribution of 14 pounds of rice triggered widespread reactions due to the ongoing food crisis in Cuba, highlighting the public's desperation and the scarcity of basic food supplies.
What challenges do state-run stores in Cuba face?
State-run stores in Cuba are plagued by constant shortages, often not selling anything even when supplies arrive due to issues like power outages, forcing residents to turn to expensive black market options.
What are the implications of the rice distribution announcement?
While the rice distribution might provide short-term relief, it raises concerns about the sustainability of food supplies in Cuba, as past announcements have often fallen short of consistent follow-through.