As social media reports of people scavenging for food in trash bins increase, and organizations raise alarms that many barely secure one meal a day, the Cuban regime, through its companies, presents scenarios that seem detached from reality. On Tuesday, the CIMEX Corporation posted on their official Facebook page, showcasing images of sandwiches paired with milkshakes, inviting Cubans to try this "happy couple" as a breakfast option at their Café Cubita located in Tienda El Encanto, Camagüey.
The post, adorned with emojis and an enthusiastic tone, stated, "Try having sandwiches with a milkshake for breakfast tomorrow and let us know how it goes!" This suggestion is starkly disconnected from the country's food crisis.
The breakfast offer is available daily from 9:00 a.m. at Maceo #52, between General Gómez and República. While the prices weren't specified, it is presumed that, like many such offers, they may not be affordable for the average Cuban.
Outrage quickly spread in the comments section, where many questioned the institutional cynicism of promoting "happy" breakfasts amidst the ongoing hardship. Pedro Orlando Guevara Yero commented, "They've never had shame, but the cynicism is too much. In a country where most, especially children, don't even have milk for breakfast, they post things like this."
Entrepreneur Yulieta Hernández Díaz remarked, "Sandwiches and milkshakes... The online communicators must be confused, thinking they are managing an influencer's account. I can't find any other logical explanation."
Journalist José Raúl Gallego took it further, stating, "CIMEX, the corporation of Raúl Castro and his generals, invites Cubans to have breakfast with malt and sandwich, in a country where milk is taken away from children at age 7, and there's not even a piece of bread to start the day." He added, "The breakfast that Cuban mothers can't provide for their children is stored in military warehouses, which one day, people tired of humiliation, abuse, and misery, will rise against."
This stark contrast between institutional propaganda and the harsh everyday reality highlights the disconnect—or cynicism—of state enterprises concerning the struggles faced by much of the Cuban population. CIMEX, known for converting many of its stores into dollar-only venues, frequently makes such tone-deaf "recommendations." Amidst Cuba's severe food shortages and economic inflation, CIMEX previously suggested that Cubans take weekends to dine at local restaurants.
"Sunday is a great day for dining out with family or friends. Visit Café TV, between 17 and 19, in El Vedado. Shall I show you?" read a previous CIMEX post. A user sarcastically replied, "Tell me where there's power so I can go out to eat," referencing the long-lasting blackouts affecting many provinces.
Understanding CIMEX's Disconnect from Cuban Reality
Why is CIMEX's breakfast suggestion considered controversial?
CIMEX's suggestion is deemed controversial because it promotes a luxurious breakfast option amidst widespread food scarcity and economic hardship in Cuba, showcasing a disconnect from the everyday struggles faced by the population.
What has been the public reaction to CIMEX's social media posts?
The public reaction has been one of outrage and criticism, with many people expressing anger over the insensitivity and perceived cynicism of promoting such offers in the current economic climate.
How does CIMEX's approach reflect on the Cuban regime?
CIMEX's approach highlights the regime's disconnect from the populace's needs and realities, often focusing on promoting an image that contradicts the actual living conditions of most Cubans.