Official Cuban Arts Association Criticizes ETECSA's Price Hike: "Impacts Artistic Creation and Daily Life"

The Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), a government-affiliated organization representing young artists and intellectuals in Cuba, has publicly expressed concerns over the recent measures taken by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA). These new policies, which limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) and increase the cost of mobile data access, are said to negatively impact both creative processes and the everyday lives of citizens.

In a statement signed by the national president of the organization, Yasel Toledo Garnache, the AHS characterized the announcement as an institutional declaration, reflecting the collective sentiments of its members across the nation. "We have communicated with members of the organization from various provinces and discussed the negative effects of these measures with members of the National Council and National Directorate," Toledo stated in a message shared through official channels.

The statement highlights that even though the AHS recently engaged in discussions with ETECSA executives, where explanations for the tariff adjustments were provided, concerns remain. "As artists, young Cubans, and part of the populace, we have concerns," acknowledged Toledo Garnache, emphasizing that the increases particularly hinder the promotion of art, the dissemination of content, and the connectivity required by young creators for their professional work.

The communication, while measured in tone, situates the discontent within a context of ongoing hardships such as prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and other challenges that complicate daily life. These factors exacerbate the impact of the new internet and mobile service tariffs.

The AHS, which includes writers, journalists, actors, filmmakers, critics, and researchers, called for "faster progress towards solutions, maintaining the necessary balance in all our endeavors." The document underscores the organization's commitment to regular meetings with members across provinces and reiterates its "deep commitment to the creative youth and society at large."

This statement from the AHS adds to the growing criticism emerging on social media and from various societal sectors against the changes implemented by ETECSA. Despite using language consistent with official discourse, this gesture signifies an unusual sign of dissent within an organization subordinate to the Ministry of Culture.

Starting Friday, May 30, ETECSA introduced a new commercial scheme that restricts national currency top-ups to 360 CUP monthly and shifts major data packages to be purchased in U.S. dollars (USD), through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet. This move has been interpreted as a further step towards the dollarization of mobile telephony on the island, sparking a strong wave of public disapproval.

The discontent, initially voiced on social media, was amplified by an unprecedented statement from the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) from several faculties of the University of Havana and the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI). They condemned the price hike as a measure restricting fundamental rights such as access to education, information, and communication.

These statements contribute to a series of criticisms from within the official framework itself, reflecting a widespread climate of dissatisfaction among sectors historically aligned with the regime's decisions.