Amidst the severe food shortages and relentless power outages that plague daily life in Cuba, a group of young Cubans known as WOW VIP has turned to humor as a means of expressing their frustration with the myriad issues affecting the populace. On their Facebook page, WOW VIP shared a reggaeton-infused song dedicated to the Cuban crisis, featuring the catchy refrain "Ta' de pinga."
The song kicks off by highlighting the empty ration book, from which no goods can be obtained. "Nothing is arriving at the store, maybe the storekeeper's in jail," they sing. The lyrics continue to criticize the absence of gas, noting that the point of sale is "gathering dust" due to its unavailability for years.
Power outages are another target of their critique, with the group noting that despite being warned of eight-hour blackouts, the lack of electricity "keeps increasing." Additionally, they comment on the state of the nation's health and infrastructure, stating that "everyone in Cuba is skinny" and "hospitals are infested with bedbugs," adding that "you get bitten when you visit the emergency room."
This video is part of a series of satirical pieces where these young people use humor to highlight the harsh realities of living in Cuba. Back in April, the WOW VIP group shared another creative video where they performed a "ceremony" in front of the Bank of Credit and Commerce (BANDEC), praying to the dollar in hopes its value would decrease.
In a parody of the "Our Father" prayer, they replaced the subject of invocation with the "Holy Dollar." Instead of the traditional prayer, they chanted, "Holy dollar who art in the skies, hallowed be CADECA, thy euro come, thy will be done in BPA as it is in BANDEC."
Previously, they sang another prayer to the "Holy Mandados," referring to the basic goods that used to be regularly available through the ration book but have now vanished. With a tone that is both playful and ironic, the group pleads for the return of these goods and wishes "long life to Commerce," while asking the Ration Book: "Forgive the fights in the butcher shop lines, as we forgive the storekeeper who cheats us during distribution."
The Cuban government has decided to eliminate subsidies on the basic food basket as part of a strategy to rectify economic distortions and revive the economy. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that although this measure is complex, it is necessary due to its impact on the national budget and economy.
The removal of subsidies from essential products like rice, sugar, eggs, and bread significantly affects Cuban families, making these items potentially unaffordable due to soaring prices.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why are food shortages a major issue in Cuba?
Food shortages in Cuba are largely due to a combination of economic mismanagement, trade restrictions, and inadequate agricultural production. The elimination of subsidies exacerbates the situation by making essential goods less affordable.
How do power outages impact daily life in Cuba?
Frequent power outages disrupt daily activities, affecting everything from food preservation to healthcare services. The instability of the electrical grid is a constant source of inconvenience and hardship for Cuban citizens.
What is the significance of the ration book in Cuba?
The ration book, or "libreta de abastecimiento," is a system used to distribute essential goods to the Cuban population at subsidized prices. Its significance lies in its role as a critical source of basic necessities for many families.