Amidst a storm of criticism regarding the Cuban regime's priorities, President Miguel Díaz-Canel took center stage on Tuesday at an event commemorating the 66th anniversary of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR). The gathering took place at the Patrol Brigade in Havana, highlighting the government's focus on policing while the nation grapples with severe issues such as a shortage of ambulances and fuel.
While the country deals with these pressing challenges, citizens have noted the swift deployment of police vehicles to quell protests, especially during the recent widespread blackouts that sparked spontaneous demonstrations in several areas. This stark contrast is not lost on the Cuban public.
A post on X from the Cuban Presidency shows Díaz-Canel and other officials from MININT and FAR surrounded by PNR vehicles, underscoring the government's skewed priorities—a recurring theme on the island.
In 2023, Public Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda admitted that the medical emergency system had just 39.6% of the ambulances needed to serve the population. However, resources for equipping and maintaining PNR patrols seem plentiful, a point of ongoing contention among Cubans.
"There's always fuel for repression," many Cubans lament on social media, pointing out that while medical emergencies suffer from a lack of ambulances, police vehicles are ever-present, even in remote areas.
The ceremony led by Díaz-Canel underscored the PNR's role in "maintaining order and defending the Revolution," a message that clashes with the growing social discontent due to unmet essential needs.
Indeed, the regime invested 14 times more in tourism (nearly 40%) than in Health and Social Assistance (2.7%) and agriculture (2.5%) during 2024, highlighting its skewed priorities.
For many, the celebration serves as a stark reminder of the government's focus on control, even as basic shortages remain unresolved.
Understanding the Priorities of the Cuban Government
Why is the Cuban government criticized for its priorities?
The Cuban government is criticized for prioritizing policing and control over addressing essential needs like healthcare and agriculture, as evidenced by their substantial investment in tourism compared to these sectors.
What is the significance of the PNR anniversary ceremony?
The PNR anniversary ceremony, led by Díaz-Canel, underscores the government's focus on maintaining order and defending the Revolution, despite growing public discontent over unmet basic needs.
How does the public perceive the abundance of police resources?
Many Cubans view the abundance of police resources as a sign of the government's misplaced priorities, as it contrasts sharply with the scarcity of essential services like medical emergencies.