In 1959, the Cuban government instituted a food rationing system that is still in use today, making households pay high prices for foods only sold in government-run supermarkets. Each family is rationed 6 pounds of rice, 20 oz. rice, 3 pounds sugar, 3 pounds dark sugar, 1 liter/day milk for children under 7-years only, 12 eggs, 15 pdf of potatoes or bananas per month.

I've been conflicted by the sight of the massive cruise ships floating in to Havana. Yes, they provide much needed coin for the average Cuban , mostly in the form of tips, but the bulk of proceeds goes to the regime, which is still a one-party, one-newspaper socialist state under communist rule .

"The increase in tourism has had a negative impact on the food scarcity problem, according to The New York Times, as the food is now used for tourists instead of hungry citizens and has made the price of food in Cuba rise."


The present situation in Cuba is very complex. I hope the latest sanctions will eventually lead to freedom for all.

It is the people of Cuba, those pictured below, who will prevail because they are tough, resourceful, generous, warm, witty and resilient. This is for them.

Enjoy photography? Experience Cuba: Real and Raw December 2019. https://yourcubatravel.com/copy-of-cuba-real-and-raw-2019