A Cuban journalist residing in the United States has sparked a lively discussion about Cuba's economic landscape and the wages under its regime through a comparison shared on social media. Yosmany Mayeta, the journalist, posted on Facebook that he bought a 50-pound sack of rice for $21.89, which translates to $0.43 per pound. He pointed out that it only took him an hour of work to afford it for the entire month.
"For a family of five, this is enough to eat for three months without going hungry," Mayeta noted. He contrasted this with the situation in Cuba, where purchasing a similar product might require weeks of labor, depending on one's salary, and may not even be available in the market.
According to sources consulted by CiberCuba, the price of rice in Cuba is approximately 340 pesos per pound. This means a 50-pound sack would cost around 17,000 pesos, an exorbitant amount given that the average monthly salary in Cuba was slightly over 6,000 pesos as of June.
Mayeta's closing remark, "Don't fear capitalism. Fear living your entire life working like a slave... and still not being able to fill your pot," resonated widely. His testimony quickly went viral, garnering supportive and outraged comments from users in Cuba, who claimed that this comparison starkly illustrates the loss of purchasing power on the Island.
The conclusion of his post, "A bag of rice took me an hour... in Cuba, it costs a lifetime," effectively highlights the disparity between the living standards of a Cuban worker and one in the United States. Many commenters echoed this sentiment, agreeing that the journalist's comparison plainly reflects the differences between living in Cuba and the U.S.
Aitana Velázquez agreed with the message but pointed out that not everyone has the means to emigrate: "The issue is that not all of us have the money or a house to sell to experience that reality. So we must continue struggling in socialism, where supposedly the motto is with everyone and for everyone's benefit."
Marla Steps emphasized the importance of these types of posts: "I suggest you continue sharing content like this, as many Cubans remain blindfolded, and their fear of leaving the slavery they live in makes it hard for them to believe that a Cuban worker's life is one filled with misery."
Aleixis Aguilera noted that, while people work hard in the U.S., food is assured: "The U.S. pays you well but doesn't thank you; in Cuba, they neither pay you nor appreciate the fruits of your labor."
Nelson Luis Monier Quevedo succinctly expressed his view: "Capitalism means abundance. You only need to do one thing: work. That's enough to live as a human being deserves, without shortages."
Eloy Rodríguez defended the American system and questioned those who complain: "With your salary, whatever your job, you'll eat well and won't lack the basics. You might even have a little left for pleasure. Sometimes I don't understand why I see so many Cubans complaining on social media... maybe some of us are too dense, or others are too lazy."
From Cuba, Silvia Victoria Ávila Pozo provided a firsthand account of the current prices: "I went to the market for the first time since I retired, and rice is 290 pesos per pound, eggs are 110, plantains are 35, and squash is the same. I didn't keep walking; I returned home."
Aurora Martín, who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, said she has achieved a decent life without luxuries but with necessities: "I don't have branded clothes or expensive jewelry, but I have everything I need. I help my family in Cuba, but I don't support anyone: if I can work at 56, so can everyone else."
A recent study by the Food Monitor Program (FMP) determined that the approximate cost of a basic food basket for two adults in Cuba is 41,735 pesos in Havana and 39,595 pesos in Cienfuegos, which is equivalent to more than six current average salaries in the country.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Hardships
Why is rice so expensive in Cuba?
Rice is costly in Cuba due to economic mismanagement, scarcity of resources, and the country's reliance on imports, combined with the low purchasing power of the average Cuban salary.
What does the comparison between the U.S. and Cuban wages reveal?
The comparison highlights the stark differences in living standards and purchasing power between workers in the United States and those in Cuba, where basic necessities are often unaffordable despite extensive labor.
How does the Cuban regime affect its citizens' quality of life?
The Cuban regime's economic policies have led to widespread scarcity, limited access to goods, and a general decline in the quality of life for its citizens, with many struggling to afford basic needs.