Yeni Mone, a resident of Holguín, Cuba, recently took to social media with a heartfelt video. Overcome with emotion, she made an impassioned plea for solidarity amidst the skyrocketing cost of food on the island.
"I've been crying since this morning because the situation we're going through is painful," she began, clearly affected by the dire circumstances.
Her distress wasn't personal, she clarified, but stemmed from concern for those unable to afford basic necessities. The escalating economic crisis has hit the most vulnerable the hardest.
In her account, Yeni highlighted that a liter of oil is now priced between 1,800 and 1,900 pesos, with predictions it could soon reach 2,000 pesos. "It pains me because there are people who can't buy it," she lamented.
Yeni criticized those who buy products in bulk to resell at higher prices, leaving others without access to essentials.
Impact of Inflation on Cuban Society
The economic turmoil in Cuba is marked by rampant inflation, eroding the purchasing power of its citizens as prices soar and wages stagnate. Though essential goods like oil, rice, sugar, and coffee are available in the private sector, their prices are beyond the reach of many.
Yeni's call was not rooted in politics but in a plea for humanity.
"Please, don't do that. Just as you're doing it today, it might be done to you tomorrow," she urged those hoarding goods for profit.
A Humanitarian Appeal to Business Owners
Her message was directed at private business owners and vendors, imploring them to sell limited quantities per person. "Try to sell one, two, or three items per person. Don't sell in bulk because there are people who need it," she implored. "Please, sell rationed amounts so everyone has a chance to buy."
Yeni painted a picture of deprivation in neighborhoods like Canalito, where some go to bed hungry or subsist on the bare minimum.
She was quick to clarify her own situation wasn't severe but couldn't ignore the struggles surrounding her.
In a follow-up video, she expressed gratitude to those who reached out with concern and reiterated her focus on compassion.
"I'm not talking about politics; I'm talking about humanity," she emphasized.
Yeni encouraged those with resources to share: "If you can make some kind of refreshment or food, do it. Don’t be ashamed to help others."
Acts of Kindness in a Time of Scarcity
Her proposal was straightforward: prepare and distribute meals to those in need. "Post in groups: 'I, so-and-so, have 50 lunches today, come by with your container,'" she suggested.
She urged that these acts of generosity be done without seeking public acknowledgment: "Don't do it for the recognition. Act as if you're doing it for God."
Against the backdrop of chronic shortages, rising prices, and limited access to essentials, Yeni Mone's emotional plea is a call to collective conscience. "We're living through tough times. We must support each other," she stated.
Her message concluded with a reflection on the fleeting nature of material possessions and the importance of mutual aid: "You can't take any of it with you when you die. What you can do today to help someone with food, do it if you can."
Beyond statistics, her testimony highlights the human toll of the crisis: the despair of those watching food slip out of reach for a growing portion of the population and the urgent need to strengthen solidarity in challenging times.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis
What is causing the high cost of food in Cuba?
The high cost of food in Cuba is largely driven by inflation, which has eroded purchasing power, and government policies that have resulted in shortages and high import costs.
How are people coping with food shortages in Cuba?
Many people in Cuba are relying on community solidarity, sharing resources, and rationing available supplies to cope with the ongoing shortages.
What role do private businesses play in Cuba's food supply?
Private businesses in Cuba provide access to certain foods, but often at high prices that many citizens cannot afford, highlighting the disparity in access to basic goods.