As Cuba grapples with an escalating energy crisis plunging the island into darkness, Gabriela Fernández, the presenter of the state-sponsored show Con Filo, was spotted vacationing with her mother at a lavish all-inclusive hotel. A video released on social media by activist and former Cuban dissident Eliécer Ávila depicted Fernández enjoying buffet meals and poolside relaxation, all while the vast majority of Cubans endure lengthy power outages, food shortages, and a climate of growing discontent.
"A follower sent me these clips of Gabriela savoring life with her mother, seemingly at one of the regime's hotels," Ávila commented as he shared the footage. The images show the host serving herself at the buffet and unwinding in the hotel’s recreational areas, surrounded by foreign tourists.
Fernández's getaway coincides with one of the most severe national electricity crises in recent years, marked by generation failures and fuel shortages that have consistently impacted the Cuban population. In less than a year, the national electro-energy system has experienced five complete collapses.
Meanwhile, Con Filo continues to defend the government's actions, discredit opposition voices, and blame external factors for the crisis. Independent journalist Ernesto Morales also weighed in online, sarcastically noting, "Gabriela Fernández retreats to an all-inclusive hotel to shed the shackles of media narratives and endure blackouts with a brighter outlook."
The controversy surrounding these images highlights a frequent contradiction among figures associated with official propaganda: promoting resilience and sacrifice while indulging in luxuries beyond the reach of most Cubans.
Fernández has not publicly addressed the videos or disclosed the source of funds for her vacation, which has only fueled more criticism and questions on social media: who is financing this luxury?
Contradictions in Con Filo’s Claims of Resource Scarcity
On multiple occasions, Con Filo presenters have claimed that the show is produced "with dwindling resources" and that budget constraints limit its production. This complaint starkly contrasts with the recent images of Fernández vacationing in an all-inclusive hotel with her mother amid a severe economic crisis and widespread blackouts.
The unavoidable question arises: how can a university professor, journalist, and state television host afford a stay at such a hotel on a Cuban peso salary? According to official prices from Havanatur, accommodations at an Iberostar hotel can cost up to 33,300 Cuban pesos per night. Even the "cheapest" option, the Iberostar Daiquirí, requires a minimum three-night stay, totaling 42,000 CUP. Another recent reference in Varadero sets the rate for a three-star hotel, considered the most affordable, at 16,500 CUP per night. Extreme cases, like the Hotel Presidente in Havana, charged 43,600 CUP per night for a simple room as of late November 2022.
These figures are out of reach for most Cubans, considering the average monthly salary on the island is just 6,500 CUP, and journalists may earn even less. The disparity between income and hotel prices makes it clear that such accommodations are inaccessible to the average citizen.
While independent journalists report being evicted from hotels despite confirmed reservations—such as the case at the Starfish Guardalavaca—and other Cubans face discrimination in restaurants and tourist spots, figures like Fernández enjoy privileges seemingly tied to their role within the state’s propaganda machinery.
This contradiction is evident: on one hand, a narrative of scarcity and sacrifice; on the other, vacations in exclusive venues unavailable to the people they claim to represent. Is this the salary paid by Cubadebate, or a privilege reserved for those who loyally serve the powers that be?
Exploring the Disparities in Cuba’s Economic Crisis
Why is Gabriela Fernández's vacation controversial?
Gabriela Fernández's vacation is controversial because it highlights a disconnect between the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans and the privileges enjoyed by those associated with state propaganda, amid a severe energy crisis on the island.
How can state employees afford luxury hotels in Cuba?
Given the low average salaries in Cuba, it is questionable how state employees could afford luxury hotels unless they receive additional benefits or privileges due to their roles within the governmental or media apparatus.
What impact does the energy crisis have on Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has resulted in widespread blackouts, shortages of essential goods, and significant public discontent, severely affecting daily life for the majority of the population.