Esteemed Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac took to social media on Wednesday to express his frustration, introducing a powerful hashtag that quickly gained traction. "I'm going to make a hashtag go viral: #CubaHurtsWithBalls," Toirac declared on his Facebook page. The post struck a chord with many, vividly depicting the daily struggles faced by a large portion of the Cuban populace.
In an earlier post, Toirac listed a series of hardships he has endured over the past five years amidst Cuba's ongoing energy crisis. His grievances ranged from being unable to repair his home or purchase clothing to having to cut back on meals and drastically reducing electricity usage, all while his energy bills skyrocketed tenfold.
"I've reduced my daily meals to just one, occasionally supplemented by a biscuit or plain bread," the comedian recounted, highlighting the deteriorating living conditions in Cuba.
Toirac also took a jab at statements made during the official government program, Mesa Redonda, where regime representatives claimed that over 500 megawatts (MW) of electric generation would be restored in three years, promising a gradual improvement in service.
"Just three years and we'll be saved!" the comedian wrote with sarcasm. "I only have three more years to endure until the power situation improves! Cheers! Water, if nothing else!"
During the broadcast, authorities placed blame for the power outages on the U.S. embargo against Cuba, dismissing any suggestion of poor investment decisions. The government stated it aims for 60% of the country's electricity to be derived from thermal generation, with 12% to 14% coming from national gas, thereby increasing the share of Cuban fuel-dependent generation to over 70%.
Additionally, plans were announced for 24% of the energy matrix to originate from renewable sources by 2030. However, these promises seem out of touch with the harsh realities many Cuban households face.
The artist's heartfelt account on Facebook was met with a flood of supportive comments from followers, who shared their own hardships and amplified the message of #CubaHurtsWithBalls—a cry that encapsulates the pent-up pain of millions of Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What prompted Ulises Toirac to create the hashtag #CubaHurtsWithBalls?
Ulises Toirac created the hashtag #CubaHurtsWithBalls to draw attention to the severe daily hardships faced by Cubans, exacerbated by the ongoing energy crisis in the country.
What are the main issues highlighted in Toirac's testimony?
Toirac's testimony highlights issues such as the inability to repair homes, purchase clothing, and the need to reduce meals and electricity consumption due to the energy crisis, despite soaring electricity costs.