Lucas Garve, CPI / CubaNet
HAVANA, October - The recent slowdown in the engine of the Cuban economy,
tourism, has had a domino effect throughout the rest of the economy.
The up to 60 percent decrease in visitors has meant closed floors in hotels
and idled workers, who do not lose their jobs, but are sent home at 70 percent
salary. That, however, doesn't tell the whole story. "I'm getting my salary
at home, but I don't see any dollars. Without the tips, I don't earn dollars,"
said the driver of a tourist taxi.
People in the streets, who months ago spoke optimistically about the
economic recovery, now speak of a return to 1993, the worst year of the
so-called "special period."
Domestically, prices keep going up. Black beans are up 20 cents, to 6 pesos
a pound; onions are up to 12 pesos a pound from 10. Fruits and vegetables are
scarce and up a peso or two when they can be found.
The dollar, which in Cuba is necessary to acquire products not available in
pesos, is up to 24 pesos. A month ago, it was 21 pesos to the dollar.
A passenger in the bus next to me told me some neighbors of his were
toasting old bread to keep in tin cans against meagre times to come. It seems
the few hopes harbored by Cubans have vanished.
In past years, around this time, people were looking forward to the
festivities at the end of the year. Now, the forecast seems a lot gloomier.
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