Cuban Government To Allow Fish Markets

Cuba’s government said Saturday it will open fish markets in Havana to sell seafood outside of the restrictive ration system.

The government plans to set up six markets where fishermen can sell their catches. They will be similar to the popular farmers’ markets, where Cubans have been able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for more than a year.

Just a few years ago, the Communist Cuban government rationed virtually all food in the country. But since the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba’s chief trading partner, a severe economic crisis has led to limited rations.

The new fish markets will accept only Cuban pesos. Prices will be higher than that of fish available under the government rationing program.