The fuel shortage that overwhelms thousands of Cuban families will not stop the government, which has already announced that there will be a parade on May 1. “We will find a way to celebrate it,” Miguel Díaz-Canel promised this Friday during a visit to the province of Villa Clara.
He diary The Communist Party did not offer details on how the president intends to carry out his own “orientation.” Nobody seems to be too clear about the script on one of the key dates for the regime’s propaganda, in which thousands of workers are forced to march as a sign of adherence to the Government and reaffirmation of the system.
Díaz-Canel assured that he was “aware of the economic situation”, but affirmed that this would not prevent the objectives of the parade from being achieved: the condemnation of the “intensified blockade” and support for the Revolution. “Have no doubt that we will fill our vacancies,” was his conclusion.
What most worries the population are the undeclared expenses that, under the curtain, will make it possible for the reappointed president to live up to his “promise.” In 2022, after two years of confinement due to the pandemic, the authorities dedicated a large budget to the “recovery” of the parade. Security forces, banners and propaganda, platforms and the mobilization of thousands of state workers cost the regime an arm and a leg, but this year they are willing to repeat the event.
The announcement has stunned those who expected a more austere May 1, and also Cuban families, overwhelmed by a crisis in the fuel supply that will embitter the summer months not only with the paralysis of the country, but also with long blackouts.
The Government cannot afford to suspend one of its main showcases before those who, despite the bad reputation of the regime in terms of business, persist in dialogue with Havana
However, the Government cannot afford to suspend one of its main showcases before those who, despite the regime’s bad reputation in business matters, persist in dialogue with Havana. A block of 400 Spanish professionals, associated with the Basque company DIT Gestión, has announced with great fanfare that they will parade alongside the Cubans. Of course, once the march is over, they will enjoy a tourist convention in the northern keys of Villa Clara, for which the authorities have offered “all kinds of facilities,” including transportation
The images of desolate streets, reminiscent of the harshest months of the pandemic, without cars or people, have been common in the last two weeks. The Government has come to blame the countries that supply fuel -especially Venezuela and Russia- for not complying with the delivery contracts for crude oil and its derivatives, and denies that the crisis was due to “inefficiencies in the country” or problems of the institutions energetic.
Although the authorities and the official press have not reported the arrival of new fuel shipments, the maritime application Vessel finder It recorded that between April 15 and 21, three ships with oil arrived at Cuban ports. The last one is the BT Bicentennial of Mexican origin, but shortly before he had docked Zheng He 1which sails under the Liberian flag, and the Panamanian Caribbean Alliance.
The service centers are still short of fuel and the rationing measures remain in force, which suggests that the Government reserves imported fuel to mobilize those who attend the parade
The arrival of these ships has not resulted in energy relief. The service centers are still short of fuel and the rationing measures remain in force, which suggests that the Government reserves imported fuel to mobilize those who attend the parade. The suspicion that the transport on May 1 is being paid for with the immobilization and blackouts of these weeks, has caused a barrage of criticism of the regime on the Internet.
“Oh, people of Cuba, how much more do you deserve! Even the mockery of the official press. I hope to see you on May 1, firmly supporting this immense Revolution and party that gives you so much every day,” the user responded ironically. William Fuentes at a publication of Cubadebate who nonchalantly commented on the huge queues of cars to refill the tank at gas stations.
The official newspaper published a “comic” note on how “good humor” is maintained among people who play and even cook to pass the time while waiting on Zapata street, in El Vedado, Havana. “Once again, the official press makes fun of the people,” concluded another user, identified as Osmar Domínguez.
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