The Cuban musician Alain Pérez has joined the wave of outrage sweeping through social media following a heartbreaking image of a young girl lying face down on the tiled floor of her home, seeking relief from the unbearable heat caused by power outages. "I stand with my people and denounce! Join me +," Pérez declared when he shared the original post on Facebook.
The photograph was initially shared by Renato Miguel García Granado, the girl's father, who directly criticized the Havana Electric Company and the regime. "The girl in the photo is my daughter. I did not put her on the floor, and I never will. She did it herself, trying to find something cool to sleep on. Is this humane? Is this communism?" he questioned.
García Granado didn't stop with the image. In his post, he was adamant about his determination to keep speaking out: "I will continue to denounce the Havana Electric Company, the Government of Cuba, and anyone who harms my family, especially my children. I don't care if people get tired of my posts, if only four people see them, or what might happen to me. I refuse to allow my babies to suffer unnecessarily."
The Escalating Power Crisis
This incident comes amid the most severe power crisis Cuba has faced in decades. On Saturday, the Electric Union reported an estimated midday shortfall of 1,600 MW, with a forecast of 2,075 MW during the nighttime peak, while only 1,035 MW were available to meet a demand of 3,050 MW. In several Havana neighborhoods, power outages spanned 20 to 24 hours daily.
The extreme heat exacerbates the situation, posing a direct threat to the most vulnerable. On June 13, Pinar del Río recorded a historic high of 37.6 °C, and the Meteorological Institute predicted an "extremely hot" summer. The electrical system has experienced at least seven total collapses in the past 18 months, including a nationwide blackout on March 16, 2026.
A History of Speaking Out
Pérez's recent statement is not his first vocal stance on Cuba's issues. In July 2021, during the 11J protests, he condemned the regime's repression with the words: "Long live free Cuba! Everything I am, I owe to my people, my community. Out of respect for my parents, I strongly condemn this great injustice."
His declaration comes at a time of widespread discontent with the 176 economic reforms announced by Miguel Díaz-Canel on June 12, and endorsed by Raúl Castro on June 17, which the public deems inadequate in addressing daily hardships.
Meanwhile, García Granado succinctly expressed the disconnect between the rulers and those suffering: "Leave the country with your millions, but let us move forward; no one deserves this, for God's sake."
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Crisis
What prompted Alain Pérez to speak out?
Alain Pérez was moved to speak out after seeing a photo of a young girl sleeping on a tiled floor to escape the heat caused by power outages, which he shared on social media to express solidarity with his people.
How severe is the power crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing one of its worst power crises in decades, with power outages lasting up to 24 hours in some areas, and a significant shortfall in electricity supply compared to demand.
What are the public's views on the recent economic reforms?
The 176 economic reforms announced by the Cuban government have been met with widespread dissatisfaction, as many people believe they do not effectively address the daily challenges faced by the populace.