In the wake of Hurricane Oscar's devastation, Baracoa's government announced on Tuesday a set of measures for distributing essential goods to its residents throughout October. This initiative aims to address the dire situation left by the hurricane's passage. According to a report from Primada Visión on Facebook, this distribution policy includes the free supply of certain key items, registered through the ration book, reflecting the severe resource limitations in the region.
The list of free items comprises one kilogram of rice and half a kilogram of peas per person, along with a liter of oil per family unit. However, these provisions fall short of meeting the needs of the city's residents amid the current hardship. Furthermore, pasta (up to a 500-gram package per person), four cans of sardines per family, and seasoned mixed ground meat (two 400-gram units) are allocated specifically for children up to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors over 65.
Additionally, two cans of condensed milk will be provided to children aged 2 to 6, and one can to pregnant women, excluding children aged 7 and above from this rationing. The basic regulated basket also includes seven pounds of rice per person, two pounds of sugar, 10 ounces of peas, and 250 milliliters of oil per individual.
The plan also covers personal hygiene products: one bar of laundry soap, one bar of toilet soap, and a liter of liquid detergent per family. Moreover, five liters of kerosene per family will be distributed through CUPET for domestic use, which proves insufficient as a significant portion of the population remains without electricity.
Challenges in Meeting Basic Needs Post-Hurricane
The local government clarified that these goods would be separately recorded in the Consumer Registration booklet, specifically on the page designated for agricultural products. This policy highlights the scarcity of resources and the challenges in recovering after the hurricane, exposing the regime's inability to effectively manage the crisis in Baracoa and other areas in Guantánamo affected by Hurricane Oscar, which has since downgraded to a tropical storm.
Many hurricane victims have found greater support through community solidarity and donations rather than government intervention. Residents in various areas, such as San Antonio del Sur and Guantánamo, expressed feelings of abandonment, as official rescue teams and emergency supplies were delayed.
In contrast, a group of activists swiftly organized and sent a shipment of essential items donated by Cubans to the eastern region on Monday. Spearheaded by activist Yamilka Laffita, known as Lara Crofs, this humanitarian aid for those impacted by the hurricane included non-perishable food, clothing, shoes, medications, personal hygiene products, and toys for children.