By Juan Carlos Fernandez Hernandez, Democratic Solidarity Party (PSC), Pinar del Rio delegation.
PINAR DEL RIO, February 24, 1997.- The Cuban health authorities publicly recognized that alcoholism is becoming an increasing problem in our society, by showing data and percentages which had never been published before.
Inmediately, they started a campaign throughout the country against this social ill. TV and radio, as the most direct means to the population, echoed this campaign, showing the terrible consequences of this addiction, as well as, broadening the services in the psychiatric hospitals thoughout the country of detoxification for alcoholics and group and individual psychotherapy (programs).
Not long ago, they started a census in the streets and neighborhoods, undertaken by the family doctor, to gain some control over the drunkards in the area.
Up to that point it was a marvelous program. But then we see the hidden underside of the coin. Cubans are witnessing the alcoholization of the society. Soda stands and cafeterias are being converted into bars where rum flows freely. There isn't a single popular gathering where the traditional keg of beer or rum is not present.
The extreme of this progresive degradation is the convertion of the traditional grocery stores and meat markets into neighborhood bars, where you can get from a shot to a fifth, even a full bottle. But don't bother trying to buy rice, beans, coffee, beef or chicken. No, there isn't any. Because your answer to this was given by the rationing card once a month.
Who promotes the sale of alcohol in the country? It is a great paradox.