Cuba in Crisis: Economic Hardship Drives People to Flee

Cuba is in crisis. The country is facing a shortage of crude oil, rising food prices, and plummeting salaries. This has led to widespread poverty and desperation, and many people are considering leaving the country for a better life. I had to make an emergency trip home because of family health issues and bring medicine, medical supplies and food. ​The shortage of crude oil has led to power outages and fuel shortages, which have disrupted transportation and production. This has negatively impacted the economy, making it difficult for people to get around and access basic necessities.

Arriving in Havana - Photo by Sheyla Paz

Vinales ecological farm - photo by Sheyla Paz

The rising food prices have also made it difficult for people to afford to eat. The average Cuban now spends more than half their income on food, and many people are hungry.
The salaries have not kept up with the rising prices, so people are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. This leads to widespread poverty and desperation; many leave the country for a better life.

The Cuban government has taken steps to address the crisis, but they have been unsuccessful. The government has increased the minimum wage, but more is needed to offset the rising prices. The government has also tried to import more food, which has been difficult due to the US "embargo," but there is food in Cuba, just not distributed justly among all people. The food is being sold to the Cuban people at a higher rate to Cubans who live outside of Cuba so they can provide for their families on the island.
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The Unified Currency
In 2021, the Cuban government unified its dual currency system. Previously used for most transactions, the Cuban peso was now pegged to the US dollar. This was done to make the economy more efficient and to attract foreign investment.
However, the unified currency has had several negative consequences. The prices of goods and services have skyrocketed, and many are now struggling to afford basic necessities. The black market has also flourished as people try to find ways to get around the high prices.

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The Impact on the People
The economic crisis in Cuba is having a devastating impact on the people. Many people are hungry, and there is a growing sense of desperation. Long lines for food are a common sight, and many people resort to the black market to get the necessities.
The crisis is also leading to an increase in emigration. In recent years, a growing exodus of Cubans has fled the country for a better life. Many Cubans are making the dangerous journey across the Florida Straits for freedom. Others seek support using the Parole system recently implemented by the United States to help people from Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba. 

The Way Forward
​The Cuban government needs to take urgent steps to address the economic crisis. They need to increase food availability and make it more affordable for people to buy. They also need to crack down on the black market so that people can get safe and nutritious food.
The international community also needs to help. They can provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba, and they can also pressure the Cuban government to take steps to address the crisis.

The economic crisis in Cuba is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The Cuban government and the international community need to work together to help the people of Cuba get through this difficult time. I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation in Cuba. 
Join me on a tour of Cuba from October 8-15, 2023. We will visit the beautiful beaches, lush forests, and historic cities of Cuba and meet with local businesses and organizations to learn how we can support the Cuban people. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Cuban people, and I hope you will join me.
Here are some of the ways you can support the Cuban people on this tour:

• Spend your money at locally-owned businesses. This will help to boost the Cuban economy and support the livelihoods of ordinary Cubans.
• Meet with local organizations and learn about their work. This will give you a better understanding of the Cuban people's challenges and how you can help.
• Volunteer your time to help with projects that benefit the Cuban people. This is a great way to make a difference in the lives of real people.

I hope you will join me on this tour to Cuba. It will be an unforgettable experience, and you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the Cuban people.
To reserve your spot and learn more about the tour, please visit our tour page or contact me directly!

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Sheyla Paz, Certified Luxury Travel Advisor

About Sheyla Paz
​Sheyla was born and raised in Cuba and has been in the United States since 2000. She is a Journalist, Actress, Producer, and Photographer with a passion for travel. Sheyla launched the travel agency out of her desire to share her culture, music, dance, and the architecture of her homeland with others. Her agency provides travel arrangements to Latin countries, the Caribbean islands, and Europe. She is an award-winning short film producer and was recognized as a leading media personality in the Latino community in Tennessee with the award “Beacon of Light” in 2019. Sheyla was one of the few Cuban-American journalists who traveled to Cuba with President Barack Obama in 2016 as part of the White House Press Corps. She is an ASTA Verified travel advisor, Signature Travel Network Luxury Certified Travel advisor, and several destination specialists in the Caribbean and Latin America. She is also certified in Luxury River and Ocean cruises.

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