Sandro Castro Sparks Outrage by Giving Away Cristal Beers at His Havana Bar

In another display of his habitual detachment from the harsh realities of Cuba, Sandro Castro, grandson of the late dictator Fidel Castro, has once again stirred controversy. He recently announced on social media that he gives away Cristal beers at his Havana bar, EFE, declaring that "this medicine cannot be missing."

While the majority of Cubans grapple with a severe economic crisis—enduring power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily, widespread shortages of food and medicines, and rampant inflation—Sandro continues to flaunt a lavish and provocative lifestyle. His Instagram posts show him indulging in Cristal Beer, a beverage now considered a luxury beyond the reach of most Cubans.

Such behavior has been met with harsh criticism from Cuban society, which views Sandro Castro as a symbol of the inequality and privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite. His extravagant parties, like his birthday celebration last December with a 1,000 CUP entrance fee and a minimum consumption requirement of 15,000 CUP, starkly contrast with the hardship faced by the majority of Cubans.

Instead of showing empathy or solidarity, Sandro Castro seems to relish in provoking the public with his frivolous and defiant posts. In a recent video, he even mocks the supposed equality that his grandfather preached, stating, "I thought we were about equality, but we're about inequality."

These actions not only highlight Sandro Castro's disconnect from the country's reality but also reinforce the perception that the ruling elite lives in a bubble of privilege, oblivious to the suffering of the Cuban people. Amid growing uncertainty and social discontent, Sandro Castro's provocations only serve to fuel the anger of a population struggling to survive the crisis.

An Insensitive Gesture in a Country Devoid of Medicines

While many Cubans fight to obtain essential medicines, Sandro flaunts his privilege with disdain. In a nation where over 70% of vital medicines are unavailable and citizens endure long queues for basic treatments, Sandro Castro's comment, "this medicine cannot be missing," referring to the Cristal beer he gives away at his bar, is seen as a callous provocation.

The shortage of medicines in Cuba has reached alarming levels. Official reports indicate that of the 651 products in the Basic Medicine Chart, 461 are either completely unavailable or in short supply, meaning over 70% of essential drugs are inaccessible or difficult to obtain for Cubans. This crisis particularly affects the most vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses.

In response to the crisis, the Cuban government has implemented rationing measures for the sale of medicines in pharmacies, including designated purchase days based on medical consult locations, leading to long lines and desperation among patients.

Faced with scarcity, many Cubans turn to the black market, where medicine prices have skyrocketed. A bottle of amoxicillin, for instance, can fetch 300 pesos on the informal market.

In this context, Sandro Castro's actions not only underscore his detachment from the country's reality but also bolster the perception that the ruling elite lives in a bubble of privilege, indifferent to the Cuban people's suffering. His behavior is not just a lack of empathy but a direct affront to those who struggle daily to survive amid the crisis.