Can We Believe Cuban Government Statistics on Poverty?

Introduction

• Article by: Lorain Morales Pino (El Toque)
• Published on: Havana Times
• Date: July 20, 2024
• Focus: Discrepancies between Cuban government statistics on poverty and independent studies.

Government's Report on Poverty Alleviation

• Speech by: Joaqun Alonso Vazquez, Cuba’s Minister of Economy
• Date: July 15, 2024
• Venue: National Assembly's Economic Affairs Committee
• Actions Reported:
  • Delivery of basic necessities to 17,000 vulnerable families.
  • Financing of family rations for 309,037 beneficiaries and 28,095 pensioners.
  • Distribution of food bags to 158,396 families.
  • Social assistance at home for 18,448 persons by 11,302 social workers.
  • Assistance to mothers of severely disabled children.
  • Subsidization of nursing homes and adult care centers.
  • Efforts in social prevention and attention.

Prime Minister's Claims

• Speaker: Manuel Marrero Cruz
• Budget: 5.9 billion pesos ($19.5 million USD) for family assistance.
• Programs Mentioned:
  • Transportation services for 50 patients needing medical attention.
  • Coverage of electric bills for 214 families with chronic illnesses.
  • Services of the Family Care Program accessed by 1,887 people.
  • Temporary monetary assistance for 45,813 people with disabilities.

Independent Study by Cuban Human Rights Observatory (OCDH)

• Publication Date: July 16, 2024
• Findings:
  • 89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty.
  • 86% of households have barely enough income to survive.
  • 61% report issues purchasing essentials.
  • Elderly, especially those over 70, feel most vulnerable.
  • Family remittances reach only 24% of the population.
  • High disapproval (91%) of government’s economic and social programs.

Economic Context

• World Bank Definition of Extreme Poverty: $1.90/day per person.
• Income Requirement for 3-Person Household: $171/month.
• Cuban Peso to USD Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 274 Cuban pesos.
• Average Salary in Cuba (2023): 5,750 pesos (less than $20 USD).
• Household Data (2021): 3.8 million households; 0.45% received aid.

Conclusion

• Independent vs Official Statistics: Notable contrast between government claims and civil society reports.
• Overall Assessment: The government is perceived as unable to alleviate current poverty adequately, according to OCDH data.