In response to the concern sparked by an incident during a live TV broadcast, Lázaro Guerra, the general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), has broken his silence. He reassured Cubadebate that he is in good health and did not suffer any serious mishap. "I'm in good health, continuing my work as usual," Guerra told the official media outlet. "Simply put, I had difficulty catching my breath while speaking that day (Wednesday), but these things happen during live television. I later returned to finish the segment."
Guerra expressed gratitude to those who showed concern for his well-being and confirmed that he is continuing his duties without any health issues. "Fortunately, I have no health problems preventing me from working," he stated.
His remarks came just days after a concerning moment during his regular televised appearance discussing the situation of the National Electric System (SEN), which aired live on Canal Caribe.
The Live Broadcast Incident
During the energy report, approximately 5 minutes and 40 seconds into the broadcast, Guerra began to exhibit signs of discomfort. He struggled to breathe and, without speaking, placed his hand on his chest and exited the set while gesturing to someone off-camera. The journalist Bernardo Espinosa briefly took over the presentation as the broadcast continued uninterrupted. Minutes later, Guerra returned on air, concluding the report without explaining what had transpired.
While neither Guerra nor the channel immediately addressed the incident, it quickly fueled speculation and comments on social media. Some were critical, while others expressed genuine concern. Comments ranged from, "Poor man, he doesn't know what to say, and he's not to blame for what's happening," to, "The stress is too much; it looks like he's about to have a heart attack."
Shortly after, official spokesperson Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed on social media that Guerra was working normally and had not experienced any serious complications. "Tomorrow, like every day for over three years, he will explain the SEN forecast," Alonso assured.
Guerra's direct confirmation to Cubadebate bolsters this narrative and rules out any health condition hindering his ability to work.
Carrying the Burden: Facing Power Outages
Lázaro Guerra has become the most visible face of Cuba's ongoing energy crisis. His role as spokesperson for the electric sector puts him in the public eye daily, announcing widespread power outages to a population weary of prolonged blackouts.
In a January 2024 interview with Cubadebate, Guerra admitted that being on television isn't something he enjoys, but he took on the role because it was assigned to him. "Communicating such responsibilities carries a significant burden, and what one says impacts people's lives. Trust me, delivering bad news is not pleasant," he noted.
"I don't think I can announce a power outage with a smile. We must have empathy and sensitivity towards our population. None of us are happy with this situation," Guerra emphasized.
Despite the criticism he faces for the content of his reports, Guerra insisted that people generally treat him with respect on the streets. Nevertheless, the incident on Wednesday revealed the toll of bearing the daily responsibility of delivering bad news, especially in a country where electricity has become an intermittent privilege.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What triggered the concern for Lázaro Guerra's health?
During a live broadcast, Lázaro Guerra showed signs of discomfort, such as difficulty breathing, which led to concern about his health. He later confirmed he was fine.
How did Lázaro Guerra address the incident during the broadcast?
Guerra later explained that he simply had trouble breathing during the broadcast, a common occurrence on live TV, but assured that he was in good health and continued his work.
What is Lázaro Guerra's role in the Cuban energy sector?
Lázaro Guerra is the general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines and serves as a spokesperson, often explaining the state of Cuba's National Electric System to the public.