Search results for: diversion of merchandise

Doubtful Meat From Brazil Continues To Be Sold In Cuba / 14ymedio, Zunilda Mata

14ymedio, Zunilda Mata, Havana, 21 March 2017 — Cubans know a lot about adulterations. For decades they have grappled with the “diversion of resources” [i.e. stealing] from state stores and the practice of state employees acquiring products elsewhere at low prices, bringing them into the stores and selling them at high prices and keeping the profit … Continue reading “Doubtful Meat From Brazil Continues To Be Sold In Cuba / 14ymedio, Zunilda Mata”

Social Status is in the Cake / 14ymedio, Lilianne Ruiz

14ymedio, Lilianne Ruiz, Havana, 23 January 2016 — A cake in the shape of a camera, figures of the newlyweds modeled in sugar, or the Real Madrid team emblem are some of the offerings of a private company that arranges weddings and birthday parties. The company enjoys a growing number of customers in a society … Continue reading “Social Status is in the Cake / 14ymedio, Lilianne Ruiz”

When the Eggs Go Missing / 14ymedio, Reinaldo Escobar

14ymedio, Reinaldo Escobar, Havana, 30 July 2015 — One day it’s cooking oil, another it’s floor cleaning clothes or washing detergent, but there is always a product that all of a sudden doesn’t appear on the shelves either in the ration market or in the hard currency stores, “nor even in the spiritual centers” as … Continue reading “When the Eggs Go Missing / 14ymedio, Reinaldo Escobar”

Follow the Trail of Flour / 14ymedio, Orlando Palma

14ymedio, Orlando Palma, Havana, 9 February 2014 – “The flour trail is easy to follow,” says a retired baker whose hands, for more than five years now, haven’t mixed ingredients nor added leavening to a dough. “I left it all behind, because the administrator of the bakery where I worked changed every six months and … Continue reading “Follow the Trail of Flour / 14ymedio, Orlando Palma”

Does Being Able to Pay with Either Currency Resolve the Problem? / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez

14YMEDIO, Yoani Sanchez, Havana, 19 September 2014 – At an artisan fair near the Malecon a seller offers unusual wallets. “Designed for a country with two currencies,” says the skilled merchant, while demonstrating their two separate compartments. Accustomed to living among convertible pesos (CUC) and Cuban pesos (CUP), we barely even notice any more the complications … Continue reading “Does Being Able to Pay with Either Currency Resolve the Problem? / 14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez”

Suchel, a State Monopoly With Feet of Talcum Powder / 14ymedio, Rosa Lopez

14ymedio, Rosa Lopez, Havana, 29 August 2014 — Just outside the Tienda Ultra (Ultra Store), an illegal seller advertises deodorants and colognes. It is precisely in August, this terribly hot month, when the shortage of hygiene products aggravates the bad odors and other annoyances. The problem has made the pages of the official newspaper Granma, … Continue reading “Suchel, a State Monopoly With Feet of Talcum Powder / 14ymedio, Rosa Lopez”

30 Ladies in White Arrested / 14ymedio

Police Mount an Operation to Prevent a Meeting in Havana 14ymedio, Havana | May 23, 2014 As of midnight Thursday, the police deployed a strong operation around the headquarters of the Ladies in White in Havana. Once a month these women gather in a house on Neptune Street, for what they call a “literary tea.” … Continue reading “30 Ladies in White Arrested / 14ymedio”

Havana’s El Trigal Market Reappears / Ernesto Garcia Diaz

Havana, Cuba, November, www.cubanet.org — The Cuban regime, in pursuit of “unleashing the productive forces,” has established, through Law Decree No. 318/2013, the new “Rule About the Commercialization of Agricultural Products in the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque and Havana.”  The communist leaders say that this new regulation is directed to eliminate the mechanisms that hinder … Continue reading “Havana’s El Trigal Market Reappears / Ernesto Garcia Diaz”

The New Man vs. The Honest Man / Yoani Sánchez

Villa Marista is the main operations center of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior. Its huge structure was built to house a school run by a religious order, but since 1963 it has been home to the most feared jail cells in the country. At the beginning of the Revolution there was talk about “converting … Continue reading “The New Man vs. The Honest Man / Yoani Sánchez”

Rebirth of Flavors / Yoani Sánchez

Timid colored awnings spring from nowhere and under newly opened umbrellas fruit smoothies and pork rinds are sold, while the doorways of some homes are turned into improvised snack bars with striking menus. All this and more is growing in the streets of my city because of the new flexibility for self-employment. Some of my … Continue reading “Rebirth of Flavors / Yoani Sánchez”

Chaplinesque / Yoani Sánchez

The Water Seller of Seville: Diego Velázquez The man in the threadbare suit, bowler hat and huge shoes carried pieces of glass on his back. His sidekick, a boy of about five, tossed stones through the windows of shops and houses so the glazier could sell his services to desperate clients. Together they formed a … Continue reading “Chaplinesque / Yoani Sánchez”