Visiting Cuba, and mixing with the locals, there was only one thing on my mind constantly… trying to figure out how to help the locals.
I visited Varadero in Cuba during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was my first resort experience and my first trip to Latin America, in general. I’m not sure if my information is time-biased to that period, but my heart broke after I took a bus ride across the city. I walked around and spoke to locals who told me of a lack of medicine, essential items like toiletries, and even food! My partner and I decided to walk into a Catholic church and we were lucky enough to catch mass. Mass was beautiful and we got to speak to the priest, father Jesus, afterward.
He explained to us that because of the lack of travel due to COVID-19, there were a lot fewer tourists in the country. These tourists would bring in clothes, vitamins, toiletries, etc. and due to the stop, they were lacking many many vital supplies.
Stores in Cuba were separated into two types (and this is a very rudimentary explanation). Some stores accepted the Cuban peso whereas some only accepted foreign currency. To be able to access more food or supplies, the best stores were in foreign currency, I was told. We walked into a shop (not sure which kind) and the shelves were practically empty.
How to help concretely
Back to the church, asking how to send things over, we were given the church’s address and advised to try sending things over via DHL. Back in Canada, I can say that it’s impossible to ship things over to them, sadly.
In any case, we were told vitamins, common over-the-counter medications, toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, etc. are necessary for the people. Furthermore, father Jesus told us that if we were ever thinking of throwing away shoes, to keep them and bring them to Cuba for the Cubans. The need is so great for this population, and helping in any way we can is important.
Visiting Cuba comes, for me, with a true dichotomy. I love the country, the people, and the peace I felt there. I know, when visiting an all-inclusive that many of the country’s resources are diverted to the resorts. There was an abundance of food at the resort. I got to eat, and to be quite honest, eat a lot! However, not visiting, like what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic brings forth a lack of resources and tourist revenue. To or not to go, in either case, brings in me a moral dilemma. Knowing all of this, I say we all need to find ways to help the locals.
For more reading about our trip to Varadero, Cuba, take a look at my other articles.
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