Ulises Toirac, a prominent Cuban comedian, has once again voiced his deep concerns over the ongoing energy and social crisis affecting the nation, highlighting the profound impact of the electrical collapse on daily life.
In a recent Facebook post, Toirac remarked that the "regime of darkness" in Havana has now reached the same "absurd criminal" levels experienced in the provinces for years, deeming it "disastrous."
He explained that the economic and energy situation is caught in a vicious cycle preventing any recovery: "No money-no fuel-no power-no production-no money," he described, a cycle that only deepens rather than improves.
Toirac, who is also an electrical engineer, argued that the idea that investments—though delayed—might improve the power supply is flawed. "Today is twice as bad as yesterday, and tomorrow will be even worse," he elaborated.
He also highlighted the delicate social situation stemming from the crisis. He stated that the population is "fed up with shortages, hardships, and hopelessness," criticizing the government's focus on "political radicalization reminiscent of the 70s and 80s," while the aspect of life that "scrapes our skin and empties our stomachs" remains neglected.
"This situation was already out of control, but the absurdity is reaching astronomical levels. Don't blame the people," Toirac concluded, emphasizing that the crisis results from a fundamentally flawed system rather than the behavior of citizens.
Toirac has consistently warned about the fragility of the National Electric Power System (SEN) and its impact on the populace. In earlier statements, he pointed out that power outages are predictable and reflect a lack of maintenance and planning.
"The system doesn't need much to misbehave because it's antiquated and lacks proper maintenance," he noted.
The situation in Havana is particularly critical, according to Toirac, as it is the hub of economic activity, making it the epicenter of the social crisis. "Havana is not like other provinces; it's more of a powder keg," he said in October.
In December, he criticized the government's enthusiasm after news that Qatar donated 4.5 million for SEN repairs, stating that amount is merely "a drop in the bucket" for a system that requires comprehensive overhauls.
He reiterated that, given the complexity of the electric power system, solving the issue requires significant funding, a comprehensive plan spanning over seven years, and strong political will—none of which have been present.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is largely due to a combination of economic mismanagement, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of maintenance and investment in the National Electric Power System (SEN).
How has the crisis affected daily life in Cuba?
The crisis has disrupted daily life significantly, leading to frequent power outages that affect homes, businesses, and critical services, thereby exacerbating social and economic hardships.
What solutions have been proposed to resolve the crisis?
Proposed solutions include increased investment in infrastructure, comprehensive long-term planning, and political reforms to ensure sustainable management of the energy sector.