The Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Cuba – Assemblies of God joined the growing outcry on Saturday against the so-called "price hike" by the Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), describing it as "ill-advised decisions" that add to the burden of a population already suffering from multiple crises.
In an official statement, the Christian institution condemned the sudden increase in telecommunication service prices, which it claims is a severe blow to its community. This community includes housewives, workers, farmers, students, children, and retired elderly individuals, all of whom, the church insists, will have their daily lives significantly impacted by the tariff increase.
Calls for Government Accountability
The church's statement highlights the harsh reality faced by the country, characterized by complex and challenging hardships, where the new connectivity costs add an extra burden to the most vulnerable segments of the population. It calls on the Cuban government and ETECSA to provide a response "that results in the least possible harm to the Cuban people." The text emphasizes that these measures disrupt the spiritual, family, and community lives of millions who rely on digital services for communication, education, work, or simply staying connected with loved ones.
The Assemblies of God's pronouncement carries particular weight as it represents one of the largest and most organized evangelical denominations in the nation, with thousands of congregations and deep community roots. Unlike technical or political statements, this message takes on a moral and pastoral tone, urging empathy, social sensitivity, and common sense in making decisions of national impact.
A Moral and Pastoral Appeal
"In line with the Christian duty of compassion, as expressed in the letter to the Romans: 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.' We add our voice and sentiment to the national outcry in hopes of finding a solution that brings relief and peace," the note states. The church's statement aligns with other expressions of discontent from student, artistic, and civilian sectors, which have criticized the lack of transparency and disproportionality of the new state-imposed telecommunication rates.
In a nation where Internet access is becoming increasingly crucial for daily, professional, and spiritual life, decisions regarding connectivity transcend mere technical or economic considerations and touch on deeply human aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Price Hikes
What is the Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Cuba's stance on ETECSA's price hikes?
The church has criticized the price hikes as "ill-advised decisions" that impose an additional burden on a population already facing multiple crises, affecting daily life significantly.
How does the church suggest the Cuban government should respond?
The church is demanding a response from the government that minimizes harm to the Cuban people, emphasizing the need for empathy and social sensitivity in decision-making.
Why is the church's statement significant?
The statement is significant due to the church's large and organized presence in Cuba, and its moral and pastoral tone, which adds weight to the national outcry against the price hikes.