CubaHeadlines

Cuban Woman in Dominican Republic Shares Her Frustrations: "I Hoped for Better Electricity Here After Leaving Cuba"

Monday, June 30, 2025 by Claire Jimenez

A young Cuban woman currently residing in the Dominican Republic sparked a lively debate on TikTok by candidly discussing several aspects of life in the country that don't sit well with her. With a respectful yet straightforward tone, she addressed issues such as noise, power outages, traffic, and safety. "I'm saying this with respect," she clarified before diving into the specifics.

Mónica, known on TikTok as @cubana_en_rd, began her list by addressing a common practice of saying "I'm on my way" when the person hasn't even left yet. "Oh, that drives me absolutely crazy," she exclaimed. "Please, just be honest. Tell me, 'Mónica, I'm still getting ready, but I'll be there in 30 minutes'—a real-time estimate. When you say 'I'm on my way,' I assume you're actually on your way. Don't do that to me, please."

Regarding the noise in her neighborhood, she shared, "The other night, it was 10:30 PM, and my neighbors were having a loud party. Many people have to get up early for work or school the next day. The lack of respect for neighbors' peace is something I find troubling and believe it can be improved."

She also touched on traffic and road safety, stating, "The lack of traffic discipline is concerning. You have to be vigilant, as a motorcyclist might suddenly appear out of nowhere. For those of us from countries with less traffic, it’s difficult to navigate the streets safely."

On the topic of electricity and connectivity, she remarked, "Unexpected power outages are something I dislike. In Cuba, electricity was scarce, and I hoped for better here. It's frustrating when I'm about to record a video, and the power goes out, and the internet is terrible where I live."

Addressing security, she commented, "The safety issue has been the most challenging aspect since arriving. While many Latin American countries face similar issues, and Cuba also has unsafe moments, the situation here feels more intense. I've never seen a gun in my life, and this aspect is unsettling."

Concluding her video, Mónica reiterated, "I'm saying this respectfully before you start criticizing. I'm not attacking the country. I feel as Dominican as anyone else here, and I'm pointing out areas for improvement because we are all brothers and sisters."

The video generated a wave of reactions. Some agreed with her, with one Dominican saying, "She's right, there's no respect for anyone here," while another added, "As a Dominican, I completely agree with you." However, she also faced criticism, with comments like "If you don't like it, go back to Cuba."

Mónica responded to the backlash in several comments, emphasizing, "This isn't a complaint; it's an opinion, which is also valid." To a user accusing her of complaining without action, she replied, "A single person can't change everything, and you know that, which is why you left too." She defended her right to express herself, stating, "I know what it's like because I’m from there, but that doesn't mean we should ignore reality. I'm expressing my views in a country where there IS freedom."

Recently, Mónica shared her journey to the Dominican Republic after graduating from medical school in Cuba. "My dad couldn't afford the process for me to leave, so we had to find alternatives." Initially planning to travel as a mule, she opted to stay and applied for residency with her father's help. "Thanks to God and those who supported me, I was approved."

Her story adds to a growing list of Cuban immigrants sharing their experiences in the Dominican Republic on social media. In April, user @kristiano_beats posted a video describing how familiar the Dominican neighborhoods felt. Another Cuban, Eliza, expressed her amazement at the abundance in supermarkets and the fast internet speeds.

Another Cuban, Claudia Jauregui, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received. "I now enjoy mangú and mofongo, and I can say 'qué lo es que' and 'dame un chin' with ease," she joked.

At the end of her video, Mónica invited others to join the conversation: "Let me know in the comments if you're Dominican or an expat living here—what else do you think could be improved in the Dominican Republic?"

Insights on Life in the Dominican Republic

What are some challenges of living in the Dominican Republic?

Challenges include noise, unexpected power outages, traffic indiscipline, and safety concerns, as highlighted by the experiences of some residents.

How do residents cope with power outages?

Residents often have to adjust their activities around power availability and may rely on alternative power sources during outages.

Is traffic safety a significant concern in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, traffic safety is a major issue, with reports of indiscipline and the need for pedestrians and drivers to remain alert to avoid accidents.

© CubaHeadlines 2025