A Cuban grandmother has touched the hearts of many on social media by sharing her overwhelming joy upon receiving an unexpected gift. Her son, living abroad, sent her a small kerosene stove.
This item holds significant value amid Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, where residents endure prolonged power outages daily and lack liquefied gas for cooking, forcing them to rely on charcoal and even wood for meal preparation.
In a video shared by Ana Laura Ivizate (@laury_luci_cami) on Instagram, the elderly woman beams with joy as she showcases the small stove, exclaiming, “My boy sent it to me so I don't have to light the charcoal at 6:30 in the morning."
The grandmother's happiness is evident with this simple gesture of love. "Now I can make hot milk, cook an omelet, brew coffee, and at least it's not so hard anymore. It's been tough! But now, with this gift, things are looking up."
Her story highlights the harsh reality for countless families on the island, who endure power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day and lack means to prepare their meals. A second gift was sent to her by a social media user moved by her delightful video.
For over five years, Cuba has been grappling with a persistent electrical crisis due to the deterioration of power plants, fuel shortages, and the regime's mismanagement. In this context, a simple kerosene stove becomes a beacon of relief and hope.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Its Impact
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to the deterioration of power plants, insufficient fuel supplies, and poor management by the government.
How are Cuban families coping with the lack of cooking gas?
Many Cuban families are coping by using alternative methods such as charcoal and wood to prepare their meals, given the scarcity of cooking gas and frequent power outages.