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In reply to the discussion: Cuba promotes homeopathy as effective 'weapon' against the coronavirus [View all]Judi Lynn
(160,631 posts)APRIL 3, 2020 / 4:32 PM / 5 DAYS AGO
In Communist-run Cuba, the private sector helps the needy as coronavirus spreads
Sarah Marsh, Rodrigo Gutierrez
4 MIN READ
HAVANA (Reuters) - Upmarket restaurants are delivering free meals to the elderly, while a fashion firm donates face masks. A business consultancy calls on its clients to donate hygiene products and artisanal soap shops gift their wares to low income households.
In Communist-run Cuba, the fledging private sector is rushing to set up solidarity initiatives for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak, demonstrating the state no longer has a monopoly on helping the neediest.
Sometimes the two are even joining forces to combat the common invisible enemy.
Saverio Grisell, the Italian co-owner of restaurant Bella Ciao, which usually teems with expats, tourists and affluent Cubans, says he discussed how he could help with the local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR).
The president of my CDR gave me a list of 29 elderly people and I decided to give them a meal for free every day, he said.
More:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cuba-private-secto/in-communist-run-cuba-the-private-sector-helps-the-needy-as-coronavirus-spreads-idUSKBN21L382