A leader from the Union of Young Communists (UJC) in Guantánamo was showcased by Cuban state television as a model of food production. Despite this recognition, she admitted that her duties as a political figure only allow her to tend to her agricultural plot on weekends and during rare free moments.
Kenia Durand Soria, a member of the provincial bureau of the UJC, was featured in a report by Canal Caribe, aired in celebration of the 66th anniversary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) on August 23.
The segment portrays her as an "empowered young woman," highlighting her efforts on a family plot located in the community of Los Cahuiranes, within the Manuel Tames municipality.
"I am a political leader, responsible for overseeing education, health, and sports for youth at the provincial level. However, I dedicate my weekends and the little free time I have in the afternoons to attend to our plot," Durand Soria explained on camera.
The report revealed that on the family land, they cultivate bananas, papayas, avocados, coconuts, cassava, sugarcane, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, among other crops.
Authored by journalist Mejías Osorio, the Canal Caribe piece presents this endeavor as an example of effort and self-sufficiency, concluding with a quote from Fidel Castro: "Women are a revolution within the revolution."
Food Crisis Amidst Agricultural Initiatives
However, this story unfolds against the backdrop of a severe food access crisis in Cuba, particularly acute in the eastern provinces.
Guantánamo is among the five Cuban provinces experiencing critical levels of food insecurity, according to an independent report released in April 2026.
The encouragement of small plots and available lands has become a frequent message from authorities in response to the scarcity.
On August 21, Miguel Díaz-Canel urged people to "plant in every vacant space" during a visit to the Playa municipality in Havana.
Days earlier, Salvador Valdés Mesa and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz renewed calls for increased food production during a visit to Boyeros.
Local Agricultural Efforts to Combat Scarcity
In Guantánamo, authorities are also promoting small-scale agricultural initiatives, such as "From the Neighborhood, Cultivate Your Little Piece," launched in July in the Niceto Pérez municipality.
The report on Durand Soria thus aligns with the official narrative promoting self-sufficiency and the utilization of any available land as a solution to the food shortages that Cuban families face daily.
Addressing Food Insecurity in Guantánamo
Why was Kenia Durand Soria featured on Cuban state television?
Kenia Durand Soria was featured on Cuban state television as an example of food production, demonstrating how she manages to cultivate a family plot despite her political responsibilities.
What crops are cultivated on Kenia's family plot?
On Kenia's family plot, they grow bananas, papayas, avocados, coconuts, cassava, sugarcane, vegetables, and medicinal and aromatic plants.
How is the Cuban government addressing food scarcity?
The Cuban government is promoting the use of small plots and available lands for agriculture, encouraging self-sufficiency and increased food production as solutions to the ongoing food scarcity.