Inserts:

00:03 Report | Tommy Walker
00:20 Maria Rose | Cuban Resident
01:32 Frank Delgado | Painter
02:22 Elaivis Sosa Quinones | Hombre Nuevo Tierra Nueva Volunteer

Script:

0:01
Maria Rose is retired having once worked as a secretary for the Cuban government. The 71-year old resides in Casablanca, a short ferry ride away from downtown Havana. Her house is one of many that have been suffering from regular power outs.  

0:19
+++SOT Maria Rose - Retiree+++
We don't have any gas at home. The thing is, we don't have any family abroad, and we don't have anyone who can give us a dollar, so we can't get any.

0:31
What concerns Maria the most is the rising cost of living in Cuba. Her pension pays her 3,000 Cuban pesos a month, which by official rates is around $125 USD, but the cost for basic food supplies, such as rice, have risen to 750 pesos, around $30 USD per kilo.

0:52
+++SOT Maria Rose - Retiree+++
What can I buy with that? And there are a bunch of people like me, you understand, we are limited.

1:01
US sanctions are hitting people hard within Cuba, making life difficult. Coupled with the lack of international arrivals putting money into the economy, life is bleak throughout Cuba, even here in the capital. 

1:16
That means business is tough for Frank Delgado, he runs a painting shop in the heart of old Havana. Usually he sells around 20 paintings a week, but that number has sharply fallen in 2026. He says he hasn’t made a sale since January. 

1:31
+++SOT Frank Delgado, Painter+++
I have all these paintings here in the house, and I can't sell a single one. It's been quite a little while now since I've sold any.

1:46
With many Cubans struggling for the basics, including healthcare, there are some volunteer organisations that are trying to fill the gap. Elaivis Sosa Quinones is a volunteer at the ONG Hombre Nuevo Tierra Nueva, a Spanish NGO that has been providing aid to Cuba for over 25 years. Located at the Corazon de Maria Catholic Church on the outskirts of downtown Havana, all of the medicine distributed here is donated from Madrid in Spain. Cubans come here because there isn’t enough medicine in local pharmacies. 

2:21
+++SOT Elaivis Sosa Quinones, Volunteer at Hombre Nuevo Tierra Nueva+++
Cuba will be grateful for it, and it's very much needed at all times, especially now when we're going through some social difficulties, some economic difficulties, and in every aspect.

2:39
Cuba is no stranger to economic difficulties but the situation right now feels really desperate. Whatever happens next, a change in circumstances is needed and for the Cuban people, who are desperate for some light at the end of the tunnel. 

((End))