Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac, renowned for his sharp social critique, has once again taken to social media to address the collapse of the electric system in Cuba. This crisis has engulfed the entire nation, indiscriminately affecting both provinces and the capital, plunging the country into unbearable darkness.
In a post shared on his Facebook profile this past Saturday, Toirac urged his fellow Cubans to embrace unity and empathy after facing criticism for posting a video where he lamented his inability to sleep due to a blackout. His message is unambiguous: "It's not about being 'privileged'; it's about it being wrong. None. Not 10, not 30 hours of blackout."
A Cry for Solidarity
Toirac's words echo the collective exhaustion of a nation worn out physically and emotionally, while the government offers no viable solution to the energy catastrophe it has instigated. "We're in the same boat, buddy," he lamented, urging Cubans to stop belittling others' suffering based on where they live.
"When will we stop saying 'you're doing fine,' 'nothing happens to you,' 'you live well'?" he questioned, calling for all citizens to unite in striving for everyone's improvement.
Capital's Darkness Reflects Widespread Chaos
While Havana is experiencing increased blackouts, the situation in the provinces is far more dire, with outages exceeding 24 hours becoming the norm. On Friday, Havana's Electric Company confirmed disruptions of up to 19 hours daily in the capital, despite the official schedule forecasting eight-hour blocks.
Social media has become a public forum for grievances, with complaints about neighborhoods losing power multiple times a day, spoiled food, damaged appliances, and unbearable heat affecting children and the elderly.
Desperation in the Provinces
In the broader country, desperation has reached unsustainable levels. Areas like Pinar del Río, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Granma, Las Tunas, and Sancti Spíritus are enduring blackouts surpassing 24 hours. In places like Palmira, outages stretch to 25 consecutive hours, while Bayamo residents report having only one or two hours of electricity daily.
One resident of Campechuela declared, "They're killing us like dogs," highlighting the extreme vulnerability of citizens. Social media channels of the Electric Union reflect a population fed up, with calls for the resignation of the Energy and Mines minister due to his failed management.
A Nation on the Brink
The energy crisis has escalated beyond a technical issue. With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, water shortages, dengue outbreaks, and virtually no medications available, the blackouts pose a direct threat to public health. Without electricity, there's no means to refrigerate food, preserve medicines, or even power a fan. The nights are excruciating, especially for children, the elderly, and the sick.
Experts warn that sleep deprivation caused by heat and mosquitoes can lead to severe physical and mental consequences: chronic fatigue, anxiety, hormonal disruptions, and a weakened immune system.
A Disconnected Government
While the populace is suffocated in darkness, the regime continues to deliver empty promises and speeches detached from reality. The purported "effort" to restore the National Electric System (SEN) yields no tangible results. The official reasons—fuel shortages, power plants under maintenance, unforeseen breakdowns—are no longer believed. The public demands action, not excuses.
Meanwhile, priority is given to hotels, tourist zones, and luxury events. The citizens watch their lives dim as the government looks the other way, either unable or unwilling to offer real solutions.
Ulises Toirac's complaint, "I can't sleep," is not just a personal anecdote. It is the cry of an entire country. Walking through a Havana street, visibly irritated, he voices what millions feel: they can no longer endure sleepless nights without electricity, without fans, without hope. In today's Cuba, there's no shortage of darkness. What is urgently missing is a way out, a government that governs—not one that condemns its people to endless endurance. As Toirac himself stated: "10 or 30 hours of blackout is unacceptable." And it's equally unacceptable for a whole nation to live in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Electricity Crisis
Why are blackouts so frequent in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are frequent due to a combination of factors including outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and government mismanagement.
What are the impacts of prolonged blackouts on Cuban society?
Prolonged blackouts severely affect public health, food preservation, and overall quality of life, leading to increased stress, health complications, and economic hardships.
How is the Cuban government responding to the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government's response has been criticized as ineffective, with promises of improvements failing to translate into real action, leading to widespread public frustration.