What in the World Beggars can’t be Cubans, allegedly
Jul 18, 2025
Will Grant, BBC's Cuba correspondent, brings deep insights into contemporary Cuban life. He tackles misconceptions about homelessness, revealing the government's spin on poverty and housing shortages. The conversation highlights Cuba’s complex political system, shaped by decades of one-party rule. Grant also discusses the severe food shortages exacerbated by the U.S. embargo and internal mismanagement, which drive many young Cubans to seek opportunities abroad. He shares personal reflections on Cuba's cultural richness, inviting listeners to explore its realities.
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No Official Homelessness In Cuba
- Officially, Cuba does not recognize homelessness and claims nobody is a beggar.
- This reflects strong family support and social safety nets despite real poverty and housing problems.
Cuba's Political Control
- Cuba is a one-party communist state with no legal opposition parties.
- The Communist Party dominates politically and controls all major decisions on the island.
Embargo and Internal Challenges
- The US embargo contributes to shortages but is not the only cause of Cuba's issues.
- Domestic inefficiency, corruption, and poor management also heavily impact the economy and food supply.