Cuban broadcaster and actress Laritza Camacho took to Facebook to deliver a sharp critique of the official rhetoric of the Cuban regime. She succinctly stated, "We have a law on food sovereignty, yet we lack food. We also lack money in banks, yet we've removed the limits."
Camacho's remarks target two recent governmental measures: the Food Sovereignty Law No. 148, which has been in effect since 2022, and the Central Bank of Cuba's Resolution 74/2026, which lifts the 5,000 peso cap on cash transactions among economic actors.
The Reality Behind Food Sovereignty
Camacho's irony is supported by grim statistics. Four years after the enactment of Law 148, Cuba imports over 80% of its consumed food. According to May data from the Food Monitor Program, a staggering 96.91% of the Cuban population lacks adequate access to food.
The banking measure also met with public skepticism. The government of Guantánamo itself has acknowledged that banks do not have enough cash on hand, rendering the lifting of cash limits meaningless for most Cubans.
Repetitive Reforms and Political Critique
Camacho went further in her post, criticizing the cyclical nature of the regime's reforms. "We keep running in circles, not to steer the country towards recovery, but merely to buy time. Not us, them," she noted.
She accused the government of urging the people to "move forward like a crab," a direct reference to Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" or "The Crab." Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro, has made headlines by appearing in international media interviews from his grandfather's office, sporting luxury brands like Hugo Boss jeans, Hermès sneakers, and a Rolex Submariner watch.
A Series of Unyielding Criticisms
On July 9, Camacho mocked "El Cangrejo's" public appearance, quipping, "Of course he can negotiate, he has pedigree and money (Oh, and beautiful blue eyes!)." In her recent post, she revisits this metaphor to describe those who "lament that we cannot live like them," referring to Raúl Guillermo's claim that it pains him that Cubans do not live as he does.
This latest post is part of a series of ongoing criticisms from Camacho. On July 11, she expressed her opposition to the Cuban government, stating, "because the Cuban government is against Cuba." Days later, she questioned how the embargo does not affect the lifestyle of "the powerful, the free, the negotiators, the daddies, and the sons of daddies."
In June, she challenged why those advocating for shared poverty "keep getting richer."
Understanding Cuba's Socioeconomic Challenges
What is the Food Sovereignty Law in Cuba?
The Food Sovereignty Law in Cuba, officially known as Law No. 148, was enacted in 2022 to promote self-sufficiency in food production. Despite this, Cuba continues to import over 80% of its food.
What change did the Central Bank of Cuba implement regarding cash transactions?
The Central Bank of Cuba's Resolution 74/2026 removed the 5,000 peso limit on cash transactions among economic actors. However, this change is seen as ineffective due to the lack of cash in banks.
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," is the grandson of Raúl Castro. He has gained attention for his luxurious lifestyle and public appearances in international media.