The label that no one expected to see in Havana
Guillermo Beltrán opened his door and received two bags. He was not the usual delivery man. They were basic foods with a label that was not seen in so many Cuban homes years ago: “Made in Mexico.”
Rice, beans, amaranth, crackers, oil, sardines and canned peaches. The menu of humanitarian aid that Mexico sent after the worsening of the energy crisis on the island.
“The delivery is part of the support announced by the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum”
Last week, two Mexican Navy ships docked in Havana with approximately 800 tons of food and hygiene products. 1,500 more tons of powdered milk and beans are coming.
Cuban authorities say this will go to vulnerable families with underweight children and older adults in provinces such as Mayabeque, Artemisa and Havana. They announce it while blackouts are constant and fuel is scarce.
The context is known but no less brutal: sanctions promoted since the Trump era that strangle transportation, close private businesses and paralyze cities when there is no gasoline or electricity.
Two Mexican ships loaded with food sailing towards an announced crisis. Two bags with foreign labels reaching hands that expected something else. Geopolitics packed in rice and beans.
