In the Granma province's Río Cauto municipality, local authorities orchestrated a political event to return a stolen plastic water tank to its rightful owners. The official ceremony, aimed at reinstating the old water tank, has become a subject of ridicule and criticism across social media platforms. The incident was spotlighted by the pro-government Facebook page, Entérate con Aytana Alama.
Photographs captured the Cuban police formally handing over the container in the presence of a group of curious onlookers. The tank's owner expressed gratitude to the police officers, noting that the returned tank would enable her to store water at home once again, a vital necessity amid the country's ongoing water shortages.
The online community reacted swiftly, with some users deeming the event a testament to the absurdity of Cuba's official propaganda. One individual remarked, "This is where communism has brought us!" In a nation grappling with scarcity and difficulty in accessing basic goods, hosting a public ceremony to return a mere plastic tank underscores the authorities' detachment from the Cuban people's real needs.
Rather than serving as a simple act of justice, the tank's return morphed into another instance of state propaganda, designed to portray any police action as a significant achievement. Back in December 2024, the National Revolutionary Police made headlines for returning a stolen mattress to a family in Matayegua, Santiago de Cuba. That event too was held in front of local residents and documented with photos, which were shared on social media as another so-called triumph of the PNR.
The Impact of State Propaganda on Cuban Society
Why was the return of the plastic tank considered newsworthy?
The event was highlighted due to the Cuban government's use of such minor incidents as propaganda, portraying simple police actions as noteworthy achievements amidst the country's broader struggles.
How did the public react to the event?
Many people reacted with disbelief and criticism, viewing the event as a reflection of the government's disconnection from the urgent needs of citizens, particularly in light of widespread shortages.
What does this incident reveal about the Cuban authorities?
It highlights a disconnect between the authorities and the populace, as well as an inclination to emphasize minor successes to distract from larger systemic issues facing the country.