Minister Condemns Social Care Abandonment in Cuba, Marrero Reacts
- HAVANA (AP) — Cuba's Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó, has publicly criticized several provinces for failing to utilize allocated funds intended to support vulnerable...
- During a Council of Ministers meeting, Feitó expressed concern over the lack of budget execution.
- Feitó lamented the situation, emphasizing the potential impact of the funds.
Table of Contents
- Unspent Funds Add to Cuba’s Social Crisis as Provinces fail to Aid Vulnerable
- Government Response and concerns
- Homelessness on the Rise
- Elderly Population Hit Hardest
- FAQ: Cuba’s Social Budget Crisis
- Why is the budget for social care in Cuba not being executed?
- What are the consequences of not executing the social budget in Cuba?
- What has the Cuban government said about the increase in destitution in the country?
- what measures has the Cuban government taken to address social crisis and destitution?
- Cuba’s Social Crisis: Unspent Funds Fail to Help Vulnerable
HAVANA (AP) — Cuba’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó, has publicly criticized several provinces for failing to utilize allocated funds intended to support vulnerable populations. The revelation comes amid a deepening economic crisis on the island, exacerbating hardship for manny Cubans.
During a Council of Ministers meeting, Feitó expressed concern over the lack of budget execution. “It is inconsistent that there are territories that have such great inexecutions of this budget.There are even territories that, at this point of the year, are at 0% execution,” she stated.
Feitó lamented the situation, emphasizing the potential impact of the funds. “we could be attending older adults, children, and doing many social things [that] have a favorable impact, and we are not doing it,” she said.
Government Response and concerns
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero voiced surprise at Feitó’s report and called for a thorough examination into the reasons behind the unspent funds.
“I think this is an issue that we must analyse in a different way,” Marrero said. “Why don’t [the funds] run? Why are those financial resources designed to serve thes people not used? Is it lack of sensitivity, lack of humanism?”
The Cuban government has not identified the specific provinces responsible for the budget shortfalls, nor has it detailed planned actions to rectify the situation. the Council of Ministers, according to reports, is currently prioritizing the acquisition of foreign currency.
Homelessness on the Rise
The failure to distribute social aid coincides with a visible increase in poverty and homelessness, particularly in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Havana, and Holguín.
In April, the government acknowledged a rise in the number of individuals living on the streets of Santiago de Cuba, attributing the increase to family neglect and the impact of U.S. sanctions.
Ernesto González Ojea, the provincial director of Labor and Social Security, cited the “current economic context” as a limiting factor in accessing essential goods. He also pointed to families failing to uphold obligations outlined in the new Family Code.
While authorities have promoted social care centers, critics argue that the root causes lie in the country’s economic struggles, ineffective public policies, and insufficient state support.
Elderly Population Hit Hardest
Retirees and older adults are disproportionately affected by the ongoing crisis. A pension of 1,500 pesos, for example, is equivalent to the price of a single liter of cooking oil on the Cuban market.
Many elderly Cubans are increasingly seen begging or selling goods on the streets to survive.
The unspent social budget, intended to alleviate some of these hardships, remains untouched in several provinces. Critics contend that the lack of institutional action and governmental disinterest are exacerbating a social crisis that threatens to overwhelm the central government.
Cuba’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó, has reported that several provinces are not using the funds allocated to assist vulnerable individuals. This occurs despite the nation’s critical economic situation, which could be improved if these funds were utilized.Prime minister manuel Marrero has announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the reasons for this non-execution.
The non-execution of Cuba’s social care budget has serious consequences for the most vulnerable segments of the population, including older adults and children.the failure to use these resources contributes to increased destitution, begging, and overall social crisis in the country.Critics suggest that ineffective public policies and a lack of state protection are primary drivers of this issue.
What has the Cuban government said about the increase in destitution in the country?
the Cuban government has acknowledged an increase in destitution,particularly in cities such as Santiago de Cuba,Havana,and Holguín. However, it attributes this phenomenon to family neglect and the tightening of the United States embargo. Despite this description, critics argue that the root of the problem lies in the internal economic crisis and the ineffectiveness of public policies.
The government has established some social care centers and the Families’ Care System (SAF), which provides basic food and cultural activities, among other services.However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and do not address the underlying causes of the social crisis. The lack of social budget execution and inadequate state protection remain notable challenges.
this article delves into the social crisis unfolding in Cuba, focusing on the government’s failure to fully utilize allocated funds intended to support vulnerable populations. It explores the consequences, government response, and the impact on those most affected.
Cuba’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó, has publicly expressed concern that several provinces are not using the funds designated for social care. This is happening despite the nation’s economic hardships and the need for these resources to assist those in need. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has announced an investigation to determine the reasons behind this lack of fund execution.
The failure of provinces to utilize the social care budget significantly harms Cuba’s most vulnerable populations. The unspent funds contribute to:
Increased destitution
Rising homelessness and begging
* A worsening overall social crisis
Critics suggest that ineffective public policies and a lack of state support are major contributing factors.
The elderly population,retirees,and older adults are disproportionately impacted.Their pensions are ofen insufficient to cover basic necessities. Manny are seen begging or selling goods to survive.
What is the Cuban Government’s Stance on the Growing Destitution?
The Cuban government acknowledges the rising destitution, especially in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Havana, and Holguín. However, they attribute the issue to