What's happened in Cuba since July 11th?
Due to a myriad of factors, including widespread shortages of food and medicine and rising COVID-19 cases, many Cubans took to the streets around the island in what is known as the July 11th demonstrations. As we understand it, these rare protests were an expression of Cuban’s exacerbation with the multiple crises facing them daily. In the months since there have been several developments, however, the economic and health crises continue. We have done our best to stay on top of the developments by following engaged Cubans in Cuba and offer our summary here:
recent political developments
Throughout August and September, individuals detained during the demonstrations underwent criminal proceedings and were found guilty. The Comptroller General is reviewing complaints submitted by university students citing abuse of power by law enforcement and police intimidation. The University of Havana’s student-run magazine, Alma Mater, has promised to publish an in-depth article addressing this issue.
Even though the state-owned media initially labeled the demonstrations as "riots" and its participants as fringes of Cuban society, the government later responded in a manner that exhibits more flexibility and openness for public discourse than in years past. On July 11th, President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that “the streets belong to the Cuban revolutionaries;” however, days later, he clarified that “Cuba belongs to all Cubans,” and that it is not a time for hatred, but a time for collaboration.
In a meeting between the President and the Cuban state-run media on August 19th (the private media was not invited to join), they openly spoke about the damage caused by and surrounding the official discourse on July 11th, the need to recognize the differences between public and political communication, and the appeal for the press to openly and honestly address the current reality of the Cuban people. Overall, the meeting represented a monumental step by the national media to better address public concerns.
ECONOMIC AND HEALTH CRISES
Advances in Cuba’s vaccination campaign, initial humanitarian aid from abroad, and internal governmental initiatives have contributed to decreasing the pressure on the island However, the economic and public health crises, that partly sparked the demonstrations, remain, and they continue to seriously impact the island population.
Cuba has three highly-effective homegrown vaccines, and its vaccination campaign for full immunity by the end of 2020
Cuba has made remarkable progress regarding the battle against COVID-19 both in terms of a falling caseload and vaccine development. The small island nation has created three highly effective vaccines, and its vaccination campaign is on track to immunize 100% of the population by the end of the year. Just this month, they started vaccinating children as young as 2 years old, making it the first country to immunize children that young. Although it was especially hard hit by the pandemic, Cuba currently holds the highest vaccination rate in Latin America. Once again, Cuba reaffirms its position as a giant in the global medical field, yet this contrasts with ongoing shortages of basic medicine, antibiotics, disposable gloves, etc. in hospitals and local pharmacies.
The Cuban government is allowing individuals and foreign governments to donate the most needed items and supplies with relative ease and free of customs taxes. Most recently, the government distributed donations from Russia and Mexico. Several grassroots initiatives have sprouted up both on the island and in the Cuban diaspora to collect and distribute much-needed items to underrepresented communities. It is with these small, local groups that EEAbroad’s humanitarian aid initiative will be collaborating with next month.
As Cuba starts to more effectively manage the pandemic, restrictions on the local economy and private sector are being lifted. As of September 24th, restaurants, gyms, and public beaches have reopened in Havana and other parts of the country. The government is preparing to more fully reopen the island to international tourism by mid-November. Government representatives have increased their presence in the most disadvantaged and peripheral communities of Cuba through various initiatives including home repairs, the delivery of needed donations, and the approval of temporary ration cards for Cubans who relocated to Havana and still do not possess an official address. Also noteworthy, is the diversification of the national economy with the recent approval of the first 35 small and medium-sized enterprises on the island, a policy proposed back in 2011.
Photo of locals cueing up for a long line for basic goods - a ubiquitous part of Cuban life || Photo by Dolis Alfonso García
While these actions alleviate some of the economic woes, basic infrastructure and in turn the population are still struggling. Food shortages and long lines continue to be a serious issue. The supply of products from the countryside increased after artificial, government-mandated price ceilings were eliminated but, in many cases, prices still exceed the average citizen’s budget. Furthermore, sporadic and unscheduled blackouts continue throughout the island.
Overall, many improvements have been made to alleviate some of the societal exhaustion that partly provoked the July 11th protests but Cuba’s economic recovery will be slow. If COVID-19 cases continue to stabilize and international tourism resumes, it is possible that Cuba could find respite next year.
In the meantime, we kindly ask that you consider donating to EEAbroad’s humanitarian aid initiative as we prepare to personally bring donations to the island’s grass-roots projects. These engaged community leaders know best where support is most needed. Please join us to help locals cope and recover from this crisis on their terms.