Cuban Minister for Labour, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, resigned after stating that there are no beggars in Cuba, and that those rummaging through rubbish were doing so for “easy money,” which caused widespread public criticism. The comments, made in parliament, were seen as tone-deaf, especially considering the country’s worsening economic crisis, food shortages, and increased poverty levels. President Díaz-Canel also rebuked her comments, which was unusual in the Communist-run island. The resignation was a result of the outcry against her insensitive remarks and the government’s perceived disconnect from the reality of the Cuban people.
Read More
The news of a million people leaving Cuba in just two years is staggering. That’s 10% of the total population, a number that is hard to comprehend. It is indicative of a country in crisis, where people are desperate to escape the hardships and uncertainties that they face every day. This mass exodus is not just a brain drain or a usual refugee wave scenario; it is a sign of total collapse.
Having family roots in Cuba, it pains me to see the country in such a dire situation. My family emigrated in the mid-90s, and over the past 30 years, we have lost touch with all our remaining relatives on the island.… Continue reading
The government of Cuba has declared itself in a ‘war-time economy,’ a term usually reserved for extreme situations. What exactly does this mean for the people of Cuba? Well, the country ended 2023 with some alarming statistics – an inflation rate of 30%, a 2% contraction in the economy, and a depreciation of the Cuban currency by over 50% against major currencies like the dollar and euro in the informal market. This is definitely not a good sign.
Cuba is a communist country, so maybe this move is not entirely surprising. Being a command economy already, how can you really tell the difference when a ‘war-time economy’ is declared?… Continue reading
I can’t fathom the desperation that would drive someone to accept a mere $2k a month to go fight in a foreign conflict. The idea of willingly putting oneself in harm’s way for a paycheck and a passport is beyond my comprehension. It’s disheartening to see young Cubans being lured into the Russian army with promises of high pay and foreign passports.
The fact that Russia is preying on vulnerable populations from countries like Cuba, Nigeria, and Nepal, offering false incentives to join their military ranks, is a despicable act. The Russian government’s lack of morality and disregard for consequences in their pursuit of gaining an advantage is appalling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker