The Provincial Government of People's Power in Matanzas recently announced with great fanfare the production of new ration books for next year's basic food basket, a message that quickly sparked a wave of criticism and sarcasm among the citizens. A Facebook post revealed that 280,000 ration books have already been produced by the territory's Printing Unit, with approximately 252,000 set to be distributed soon to municipal Oficodas.
The distribution, scheduled for December 20th, will be free of charge, according to Micherka Rodríguez, head of the Consumer Registration Department in the province. "The ration books for the distribution of the standard family food basket products are already prepared," the official statement declared.
However, while authorities celebrated the "organization of the consumption system," the public reacted with outrage and wit to what many see as a mockery amid the shortage of essential foods. "Are they already empty?" asked Elfantasma Delaopera, while Belkis Serpa summed up the general sentiment: "Truly shameless."
Other responses mocked the document's pointlessness: "Seriously??? A cover and a single page would do," commented Maray Rivera. "You can keep one for three or four years, it’s more than enough," added Abby Sales.
Bárbara Mayling Corrales took the criticism to a more serious level: "What retiree, assisted individual, or vulnerable person is supplied with such limited products? Instead, they should review why medical diets were removed for cancer, diabetes, and HIV patients."
Maidalys García Montesino questioned the use of resources in a country struggling to regularly collect trash: "Why so much paper and ink? That document is obsolete. Better use that budget to clean the neighborhoods."
Other comments encapsulated the widespread frustration: "In the end, there’s nothing. Everything is in the Mipymes, if you have money you eat, if not, you go hungry," wrote Cary Santana. "Why bother, they owe us more than they give," added Yoemi Noda. "They should keep it as a souvenir," quipped Dalioslayda Calderón.
Some even suggested humorously merging the ration book with other bureaucratic documents: "Include it with the pharmacy card, which is valid until 2050," joked Odalis Gordillo.
The announcement, intended to showcase "organizational efficiency," ultimately became a portrait of the popular disillusionment with Cuba's economic reality: new books, empty shelves, and a nation surviving more on humor than hope.
Cuban Ration Books: Public Perception and Reality
Why are Cuban citizens critical of the new ration books?
Cuban citizens criticize the new ration books because they view them as pointless amidst severe shortages of essential goods. Many feel that the government is out of touch with the population's real needs.
What did citizens suggest about the ration books?
Some citizens humorously suggested that the ration books are so unnecessary that a single page would suffice, while others joked about combining them with other bureaucratic documents.
How does the government's announcement reflect the economic situation in Cuba?
The government's announcement of new ration books, despite empty shelves and widespread shortages, highlights the disconnect between state actions and the harsh economic realities faced by Cuban citizens.