Amidst a worsening health crisis and as countless families in Santiago are still struggling to recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, local authorities continue to sell fish cans that have already expired, according to a report by activist Elías Navarro on his Facebook profile.
The canned fish, which expired on November 5, 2025—15 days past its expiration date—are being sold for 40 Cuban pesos, even to those impacted by the hurricane and suffering from the ongoing outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya plaguing the province.
Activist's Outcry: “Where are the Donations?”
Navarro shared images of the expired cans along with a strong message: “Do you think it is fair to sell expired cans to a people contaminated by various viruses, in the midst of a health emergency, when they expired 15 days ago? Where are the fresh products donated by various countries and international organizations?”
He highlighted that while Jamaica is distributing free donations following Hurricane Melissa, in Cuba, poor-quality food is being sold even in severely affected areas facing critical health conditions.
Online Backlash and Censorship
Navarro mentioned that a regime supporter accused him of being a “traitor” and called for him to be “prosecuted” for revealing that the food was being sold rather than distributed to the victims.
The state-aligned commentator wrote: “They have been distributed, not sold. Those who write such things should be prosecuted for slander and treason.”
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada Raised the Alarm Earlier
On November 9, journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, known for his thorough reporting and close connection to Cuban reality, had already reported on the situation: “Old can in brine, poorly concealed story; Santiago asks for help and gets sold stale fish. Tell me, ‘Johnson,’ if this mackerel in brine is for eating or feeding to animals.”
His posts foreshadowed the very issue now erupting across social media: the State is selling expired products in a province devastated by a hurricane, epidemics, and hunger.
A Community in Crisis and Without Alternatives
This latest incident occurs in a Santiago de Cuba grappling with low recovery rates of electricity post-Melissa, a surge in arbovirus cases, hospitals lacking medication and adequate staff, widespread food shortages, and an exhausted, vulnerable population.
In such a context, the sale of expired food not only demonstrates institutional negligence but also a profound lack of ethics toward communities struggling amidst mosquitoes, blackouts, blocked roads, and shattered rooftops.
The Lingering Question
If thousands of tons of humanitarian aid, including shipments from Venezuela, Mexico, and international organizations, have arrived in the country, why are the victims receiving expired food that they have to pay for?
Meanwhile, those responsible for these decisions remain silent, and once again, the people bear the brunt of the consequences.
Understanding the Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
Why are expired fish cans being sold in Santiago de Cuba?
Expired fish cans are being sold due to negligence from local authorities amidst a broader humanitarian crisis following Hurricane Melissa, compounded by health epidemics.
What has been the community's response to the sale of expired food?
The community, including activists and journalists, has expressed outrage and concern, questioning why fresh donations are not reaching the affected populations and highlighting the ethical failings of the authorities.
What other challenges is Santiago de Cuba facing?
Santiago de Cuba is dealing with power outages, a surge in arbovirus infections, inadequate healthcare resources, and overall food scarcity, leaving the population extremely vulnerable.