The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba isn't just a matter of power outages but a series of disrupted lives, broken routines, and a growing emotional toll affecting people from the eastern to the western parts of the island. In this bleak scenario, the narratives of Cubans are emerging as powerful testimonies of collective despair. Among these voices is that of Irán Capote, a professor and playwright, who took to social media to recount his experience visiting family in the town of El Jíbaro.
Government Neglect and Frustration
Irán Capote left Havana hoping to enjoy a joyful day with his family in El Jíbaro. However, a blackout lasting more than 26 hours turned his visit into an ordeal of enforced endurance. "I thought it would be one of those happy family days. I imagined catching up and sharing laughs. I expected my brother to prepare a spicy crab dish… But it wasn't to be."
Stranded in the village, unable to charge his electric scooter, Capote witnessed firsthand a community often left without power for extended periods. His account personifies the crisis, highlighting the disparity of living conditions even for those who come from the city and consider themselves relatively privileged.
"My mother uses charcoal to brew coffee. My brother promises to cook something tasty on a wood fire, but there's no cold water. Neighbors constantly ask, 'How are things in the city?' I reply, watching them sweat and swat mosquitoes, 'A little better, but the same mess, the same disappointment, the same government neglect.' And they widen their eyes."
Capote paints a vivid picture of his hometown's struggles. "It's sad to see everyone in the neighborhood worn out, with fridges off, spoiled food, no supplies, cooking with wood in oppressive silence, and this unbearable heat."
The playwright notes stark contrasts on the island, especially when considering official media narratives. "Meanwhile, during presidential showcases and fleeting 'helicopter visits,' we hear encouraging but misleading messages: 'We'll overcome this by working hard'… Then they jet off to Moscow or Rome, dressed in Gucci and scented with Chanel. The media echoes these sentiments. The law suppresses dissent, and the media echoes again. But they never visit our neighborhoods, never camp in yards like my mother's. They never shoo away mosquitoes or throw away spoiled meat from the fridge," he stated.
Life Reduced to Endurance in Matanzas
In Matanzas, journalist Yirmara Torres Hernández also shared a poignant perspective on Facebook about how blackouts have become the norm rather than the exception. "In Matanzas, we no longer have blackouts. Nor do we have electricity. There's no schedule or pattern. To have blackouts, you need electricity. If you never have it and it comes sparingly, I'm not sure what to call it, but it's not blackouts," Torres explained.
Her post, written after 17 hours without power, captures a routine of improvisation, anxiety, and sleeplessness. "We live waiting for scraps of electricity to cook, wash, or work. We rush to charge everything, but there's never enough time, so we're always running on empty. We neither work nor produce. We're like ghosts, wandering like zombies. No sleep, no rest. We're drained, even from complaining," she expressed.
Prolonged blackouts have plunged the Cuban people into apathy, silence, and resignation. "We no longer care why there's no power. We're tired of deficits, power plant breakdowns. We just want to know if there's hope for a solution or if we must brace ourselves for a pre-industrial future, more reliant on coal and wood."
The Cuban journalist wryly notes that her neighbors no longer expect answers, familiar with the government's rhetoric and knowing who will always be blamed. "It's not that we feel no one is accountable. No, the blame will fall on the blockade and us. No one feels obliged to give real explanations," she said.
"Soon, we'll probably hear that we need to endure more and save. There's always room for more. Endurance, they must think, is infinite. And so is the lack of electricity and shame. Everything becomes normal, normalized," Torres remarked.
Voices That Cannot Be Ignored
The accounts of Irán Capote and Yirmara Torres serve as two examples of a widespread issue affecting millions of Cubans: the instability of the electrical service, daily hardships, and the government's silence toward a population persisting without both literal and emotional energy. Although different in style, both stories highlight how life in Cuba has been overshadowed by darkness and governmental indifference.
Common Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to outdated infrastructure, insufficient investment in the energy sector, frequent breakdowns of power plants, and economic challenges exacerbated by government policies and international sanctions.
How are Cubans coping with prolonged blackouts?
Cubans are adapting by using alternative energy sources like charcoal and wood for cooking, and they are adjusting their routines to align with sporadic power availability. However, the situation leads to significant disruptions in daily life, work, and emotional well-being.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The government's response has been largely criticized as inadequate, with official messages often focusing on resilience and austerity. There is a lack of comprehensive solutions to modernize the energy infrastructure and address the root causes of the crisis.