Cuban Critic Challenges Affordability of New Neighborhood Markets

Jorge Rivas criticized the new commercial network in Cuba, known as Neighborhood Markets. The network was launched by the regime to replace traditional bodegas and the ration book system. Rivas stated that the markets are failing to deliver on their promise of making basic food items more affordable, noting that some items are cheaper at private vendors than in the new markets.

The Neighborhood Markets project was intended to offer basic items at prices 10% to 15% lower than those in other stores. Rivas's critique suggests that the project may not be achieving its goal of increasing consumer purchasing power within Cuba.