Lilia Ortiz, a Mexican national living in Cuba who poured her heart, time, and resources into establishing a local market, recently fell victim to a theft that left her without inventory and filled with a deep sense of frustration. In an emotional video shared on her Instagram profile, she recounted how she and her family worked tirelessly to build the business, which is located somewhere in Havana, only to see their efforts vanish overnight.
"As many of you know, I'm the Mexican living in Cuba, and I'm here to tell you that everything we had in our market was stolen," Lilia began, visibly shaken. She elaborated that from the start, the venture was driven by sacrifice and honest work, aiming to provide quality products to customers.
According to her account, the market demanded a significant investment in both infrastructure and goods, all funded from personal resources. Despite efforts to enhance the premises and offer a welcoming space for patrons, an unexpected twist left them devastated. "We invested heavily to make it nice and stocked with quality merchandise, but we didn't even get the chance to set it up as we wanted because soon after opening, everything was stolen," she added.
Lilia lamented that they couldn't even accomplish a third of what they had planned for the market. "This market is built on hard work, effort, and sacrifice. Here, it's 100% honest and honorable work; nothing has been handed to us or made easy," she asserted with determination.
Despite the setback, Lilia remains hopeful, vowing to tackle the situation with renewed strength and fresh strategies. "It doesn't matter; we're coming back stronger, and with God's help, we know everything will turn out well," she concluded.
The plight of this young Mexican entrepreneur has sparked an outpouring of support on social media, where followers have encouraged her not to give up in the face of adversity. Her story has also ignited a broader discussion about the challenges entrepreneurs face in Cuba, especially those relying on personal effort and resources to sustain their ventures.
Some users offered practical advice to enhance the security of her business. "Hi, I suggest installing security cameras and alarms on doors and windows; I know people who can install them securely," commented one user. Meanwhile, other remarks highlighted a more critical view of the Cuban situation: "Oh my God, in Cuba, it's not worth doing anything; there's no law. If the people don't rob you, the government will," expressed another user.
Another comment added: "That's what happens when you decide to live in Cuba." These reactions underscore the polarized opinions and disillusionment many feel regarding the current state of security and support for entrepreneurship on the island.
Rising Concerns: Increasing Insecurity and Theft in Cuba
Lilia Ortiz's experience is not an isolated incident; it is part of a troubling trend affecting numerous entrepreneurs in Cuba. According to the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC), there was a 232% increase in thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year, averaging 3.6 crimes per day in the second half of the year.
This surge in criminal activity has left many private businesses vulnerable. For instance, in March 2025, a manicurist's business in Havana was completely ransacked, stripping her of all her products and leaving her unable to continue her work.
Moreover, governmental measures have added pressure to the private sector. Between July and September 2024, the Cuban regime imposed fines exceeding 348 million pesos on micro, small, and medium private enterprises (MSMEs) after identifying over 127,000 pricing violations.
In this context, Lilia Ortiz's story highlights the resilience of Cuban entrepreneurs, who, despite facing numerous adversities, persist in their efforts to sustain their businesses and contribute to the struggling local economy.
Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs in Cuba
What are the main challenges for entrepreneurs in Cuba?
Entrepreneurs in Cuba face numerous challenges, including high crime rates, lack of legal protections, and significant governmental pressures, making it difficult to sustain private businesses.
How has crime affected small businesses in Cuba recently?
Crime has severely impacted small businesses in Cuba, with a reported 232% increase in thefts, leaving many businesses vulnerable and unable to continue operations.
What measures can entrepreneurs take to improve security for their businesses in Cuba?
Entrepreneurs can enhance security by installing surveillance systems, alarms, and securing their premises, although these measures may not completely deter theft in the current environment.