Cuban Minister Highlights Severe Theft Issues in State Stores: "Even a Worker Has Died"

Cuban Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, acknowledged this week the serious rise in thefts at state-run stores, revealing that a worker tragically lost his life while attempting to defend his workplace from an attack. "We have faced a variety of experiences. We've even lost a worker defending his job. We've been attacked, but with comprehensive community efforts, we can continue to confront this," the minister stated.

Her remarks were made on July 5th during a discussion at the permanent commissions of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), just before the Fifth Regular Session of its 10th Legislature. Díaz Velázquez pointed out that the Isle of Youth has successfully avoided thefts, attributing this success to what she described as an effective model of community integration. She emphasized that strengthening collaboration between residents and local authorities is crucial in curbing these crimes.

During her address, she also urged the official press to actively participate in "reporting attacks and thefts in the stores" to help sway public opinion in support of the state and the safeguarding of resources designated for the populace. Additionally, she encouraged measures to protect the rationed goods of the basic basket, suggesting storing them in neighbors' homes or nearby entities when safe conditions in the stores are lacking.

"We cannot allow theft because replacing resources is challenging when they are stolen," she asserted. These instructions not only highlight the shortages but also expose the failures, deficiencies, and improvisation in the country's protective and security measures.