Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel once again emphasized the central tenet of "continuity": the idea that the responsibility for meeting basic needs falls on local governments rather than the leaders who control the centralized, planned economy of the communist regime.
During a visit to the Naranjo Popular Council in the municipality of Majibacoa, Díaz-Canel, who is also the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), claimed that the area had "sufficient land" to produce its own food. He urged residents to "tough it out" to achieve self-sufficiency in food production instead of "waiting for what comes in the ration book."
"We need to reach a point where this country is self-sufficient in food. That's what will truly give us security. Not relying on imports. But you have to believe in it. And each municipality has to tough it out for its food. Not thinking about what will come through the ration book," said Díaz-Canel to local authorities, according to a report by Visión Tunera.
A New Strategy for Food Sovereignty
Committed to "correcting distortions and boosting the economy," the leader of the so-called "continuity" proposed a new strategy to achieve the much-touted "food sovereignty" advocated by the regime's propaganda. This strategy involves "toughing it out," which in colloquial terms means "showing courage and bravery in the face of danger," according to the Royal Spanish Academy.
In essence, Cubans are being urged to abandon the "social contract" represented by the ration book and, according to Díaz-Canel, muster the courage to grow their own food. This aligns with the regime's language of "eliminating excessive subsidies and unwarranted freebies" as part of the failed "economic and monetary reorganization."
"What's in the ration book should be extra. There's enough land in Majibacoa to produce all the food for the municipality. And to feed Las Tunas. But... we have to work!" said Díaz-Canel, who was handpicked by General Raúl Castro.
The call is a familiar one. In late May, Díaz-Canel told a group of residents in San Luis, "We are convinced that there's enough land here to produce the food we need in the municipality. The hands are here, the strength is here. And the courage." Therefore, if they want to eat, they need to "tough it out."
During his visit to Majibacoa on Friday, Díaz-Canel also shared his political philosophy, including thoughts on the role of leaders in Cuba. According to him, the best use of the time of "officials" is when they go "to the grassroots."
"The time we spend at the grassroots level solving problems, guiding the population, explaining things. If we spend most of our time in offices, in meetings, and don't go to the grassroots, we are detached from reality. And we don't transform, which is what's needed," he asserted.
Demonstrating his oratory skills, the new PCC Secretary in Las Tunas, Walter Simón Noris, pledged to fulfill Díaz-Canel's directives.
"Making Las Tunas prosperous cannot be just a demand or an effort. It has to be a decision by the people of Las Tunas. And by us, the officials, who have to lead and support them. And it's said that to be great, you just have to attempt greatness... So there's no other option but to fight," concluded Noris.
Understanding Díaz-Canel's Call for Self-Sufficiency
In light of Díaz-Canel's recent statements, several questions arise about his call for self-sufficiency and its implications for Cuban citizens. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
Why is Díaz-Canel urging Cubans to grow their own food?
Díaz-Canel is advocating for self-sufficiency in food production to reduce dependency on imports and to achieve "food sovereignty," a goal frequently promoted by the regime.
What does "tough it out" mean in the context of Díaz-Canel's statements?
In this context, "tough it out" means showing courage and resilience in producing one's own food rather than relying on state-provided rations.
How does Díaz-Canel's strategy fit into the broader economic plans of the Cuban government?
This strategy is part of the regime's broader efforts to "correct distortions" and boost the economy by reducing subsidies and encouraging local self-reliance.