The reopening of the state-run Pastorita store in Matanzas has sparked controversy on social media following the release of images showing shelves stocked with food and hygiene products sold in foreign currency, amidst Cuba's ongoing shortage crisis.
Tiendas Caribe Matanzas enthusiastically announced the opening of the store, boasting a "new sales service" and claiming "very good reception," offering market goods, personal hygiene items, and fresh products. However, what drew significant attention was that the store accepts payments via cards linked to foreign currency, such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, as well as AIS, Viajero, and Clásica cards.
The shared photos display prices that many deem unaffordable for the average Cuban: a box of chicken thighs priced at $29.00, a package of chicken at $11.85, ham at $14.00, and ground meat starting at $1.20.
The response in the comments was swift. Some users questioned the origin of these products. "That must be from the donations that arrived a few days ago," one user suggested. Others directly criticized the government's policy of selling food in foreign currency while the majority survive on salaries paid in pesos.
"Question: when will we be paid in the currency used to sell that range of products?" wrote one netizen. Another comment summed up the outrage with a phrase echoing across social media: "You might as well close again with those prices."
Some pointed out the hypocrisy in criticizing private vendors while the government imposes high prices in dollars. "Where are those who criticize private sellers? Look here, take the super high prices in a foreign currency not earned in Cuba," commented another user.
Amidst the complaints, dozens of people were asking for the store's exact location and whether they accepted cash or transfers, reflecting the daily desperation to secure basic foodstuffs. The official Tiendas Caribe account responded that payments could be made "via POS with your card or in cash," though it did not clarify the currency for the final price.
This debate emerges at a particularly sensitive time as Cuba faces prolonged blackouts, an energy crisis, and receives international aid, while social discontent mounts over the existence of well-stocked stores accessible only to those with access to foreign currency or remittances.
"You should be ashamed. The people are starving and you're only thinking about dollars," wrote one user in one of the harshest comments.
The reopening of Pastorita, far from being celebrated as good news, has become another symbol of the inequality dividing Cubans today: those who can afford to buy and those who can only watch.
FAQs on the Reopening of the Pastorita Store
Why are prices at the Pastorita store considered high?
Many consider the prices high because they are set in foreign currency, making them unaffordable for the average Cuban who is paid in pesos.
What forms of payment are accepted at the Pastorita store?
The store accepts payments through cards associated with foreign currencies, such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, as well as AIS, Viajero, and Clásica cards. Cash payments are also accepted, though the currency for cash payments wasn't specified.