Cuba woes

I've been obsessing all morning about this article I read in the newspaper.
Basically, all government owned stores which sell merchandise in USD are restricting sales of certain goods and raising the prices on everything else. These are the stores where Cubans purchase necessary items from soap, clothes, detergent, rice, pasta and baby food to light bulbs, spark plugs, electronics and batteries.

I went into a couple of these USD stores when I was visiting Cuba, and they are by far nothing to brag about. The selection of items are scarce and of poor quality. Basically they sell dollar store quality items at exorbitant prices...however, these are the only stores that are available, and Cubans depend on them to purchase necessities.
A bar of soap costs around $1, Batteries around $5, $20 for a pair of jeans.
Basically everything costs the same as they do in Canada, but without the brand competition/selection...The difference is that the average Cuban...even doctors only make about $40USD a month. With an inflation of prices, it's going to be a wonder as to how Cuban citizens will be able to afford anything!

Supposedly all this is happening as a response to the US government who are trying to end communism on the island.

If anyone has friends or family in Cuba, or feel called to help out families in need, you can send groceries, medical items or cash through this website:

Send goods to Cuba