In the wake of the arrest of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, unexpected reactions have surfaced, even in Cuba. A Cuban woman took to TikTok to share a humorous story involving her nephew, who connected the country's frequent blackouts with the capture of the Chavista leader.
Wendy González Shalom begins her TikTok video, posted on her account @wendygonzalezshalom, with the promise of a laugh: "Wait till you hear what my nephew said in Cuba, you're going to crack up."
With laughter in her voice, she recalls how the young boy came home from school visibly worried after a classmate told the teacher, "Now they're going to tighten the blackouts."
Once home, he asked his grandmother about the situation. She explained, "Listen, sweetheart, the country that used to help us the most with oil, you know which one it was..."
Without hesitation, the boy blurted out, "Don't tell me it's the president who got kidnapped!" This exclamation sent the entire family into fits of laughter.
Captured amidst laughter, the video highlights the confusion and candidness with which young Cubans perceive the energy crisis and international news.
The child's reaction has sparked a wave of comments among Cuban users, many of whom resonate with the child's mix of confusion and humor.
This anecdote has gone viral as Cuba continues to grapple with prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and internal political tensions following the fall of Nicolás Maduro's regime and the transition led by Delcy Rodríguez under U.S. oversight.
"Even kids know all the trouble starts from the top," noted one TikTok user, while others praised the boy's spontaneity as a testament to Cuban ingenuity during crises.
Understanding the Impact of Maduro's Arrest on Cuba
How did the arrest of Nicolás Maduro affect Cuba?
The arrest of Nicolás Maduro has added to Cuba's existing challenges, such as energy shortages and political instability, given Venezuela's role as a major oil supplier to the island.
Why are blackouts common in Cuba?
Cuba experiences frequent blackouts due to an outdated electrical grid, fuel shortages, and economic struggles that limit the country's ability to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure.
What role did Venezuela play in Cuba's energy supply?
Venezuela was one of Cuba's primary suppliers of oil, providing the island with much-needed fuel to support its energy needs.