The Occidental Rum Distillery is setting its sights on an ambitious goal: to produce a bottle of refined rum for each of the more than 700,000 families residing in Havana before New Year's celebrations commence. This target comes amidst recent corruption revelations within the organization. According to a report from the state-run Canal Caribe, an audit revealed no current misappropriations.
Nevertheless, the same television report highlighted that during a nationwide crime prevention and enforcement operation, authorities seized 168 boxes of Legendario rum from a home in San Miguel del Padrón. "In addition to being under police investigation, those involved faced severe administrative penalties, including dismissals," the official channel reported.
Despite these issues, the regime's narrative often turns more optimistic as the year draws to a close, emphasizing the goal of providing rum to every household. This initiative aims to offer some "relief" to the families of Cuba's capital, hoping to lighten the mood during New Year's festivities overshadowed by soaring prices, pervasive shortages, and an energy crisis that has led to three massive blackouts in just two months.
A Repeated December Tactic
This is not the first instance of the regime deploying such a "balm" strategy for December. In 2022, the government in Holguín facilitated the sale of a bottle of rum to each family unit for New Year's, according to official sources. Martín Pupo, director of the Beverage and Soft Drinks Unit "Pedro Díaz Coello," posted on Facebook that the sales were conducted through the Commerce network across various municipalities.
That same year, the sale of rum packaged in oil containers to Havana residents sparked outrage among many citizens, who viewed it as further evidence of the regime's unabashed decline and ongoing crisis.
Key Details on Havana's New Year's Rum Initiative
What is the goal of the Occidental Rum Distillery for New Year’s?
The Occidental Rum Distillery aims to produce a bottle of refined rum for each of Havana's over 700,000 families in time for New Year’s celebrations.
What issues arose during the national crime prevention exercise?
Authorities seized 168 boxes of Legendario rum from a residence in San Miguel del Padrón, resulting in police investigations and severe administrative penalties for those involved.
How did the rum sales in 2022 affect public perception?
In 2022, sales of rum in oil containers to Havana residents led to public indignation, as many saw it as a sign of the regime's blatant decline and persistent crisis.