Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Villa Clara, publicly celebrated her province being awarded the "Outstanding" status in the July 26th Moncada emulation. This recognition, bestowed by the PCC's Political Bureau, was met with widespread skepticism and ridicule among Cubans on social media.
In a video shared by Canal Caribe, Morfa attributed the accolade to the efforts of the "people of Villa Clara," who she claims did not "stand idly by" despite the "suffocating policies" and accumulated limitations over more than six months.
"This is truly, first and foremost, a result of the people, the hardworking people of Villa Clara, who, despite all the limitations, obstacles, and strangling policies we've endured for over six months, have not stood idly by," the official declared.
Contradictions in Villa Clara
Among the indicators highlighted by Morfa were an infant mortality rate of 6.3 per thousand and zero maternal mortality, the performance of educators in closing the school year, the efforts of the tourism sector, tobacco workers, commerce and gastronomy, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights on main roads.
However, the reality faced by residents of Villa Clara starkly contradicts this triumphant narrative. The province has experienced power outages of up to 20-22 hours daily so far in 2026, earning it the popular nickname "Villa Oscura." In May 2026, the national electricity deficit reached a historic 2,113 MW, with Villa Clara among the hardest-hit provinces. Residents protested in March 2026 after more than 30 hours without electricity.
Widespread Shortages
The energy crisis is compounded by a severe shortage of medications: as of June 2026, 368 out of 636 essential drugs were out of stock, halting surgeries and emergency services. Additionally, Villa Clara has failed to meet its sugar production plan for six consecutive years and lost over 15,000 cattle in 2025, impacting milk and meat production.
In this context, comments on the Canal Caribe video—amassing 346 responses, most of them critical—reflect widespread disbelief in the recognition. "Is the celebration with or without a blackout?" wrote Rosa Rodríguez. Rolando Ruiz was more blunt: "The people endure so much, with no power, water or food, I don't understand what achievement they're celebrating." Omar Hernández questioned the criteria: "What parameters were measured? Because the results aren't visible anywhere." Omar Vega Rodríguez summed up the sentiment: "Villa Oscura, pure show. Ask the people of Villa Clara about these supposed achievements."
Controversial Figure
Morfa, popularly known as the "millionaire psychologist" since 2015—when she claimed to have funded her own trip to the Summit of the Americas in Panama with her $20 monthly salary—was appointed first secretary of the PCC in Villa Clara in June 2025 during a session presided over by Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau.
Alongside Villa Clara, Matanzas also received the "Outstanding" status in the emulation, while the municipality of Vertientes in Camagüey earned the "Vanguard" status for four consecutive years. Tony Hernández González encapsulated the confusion with a single question, reflecting the thoughts of many residents: "I don't understand anything, what are we outstanding for?"
Understanding Villa Clara's Recognition Amidst Crisis
Why was Villa Clara awarded "Outstanding" status?
Villa Clara was recognized for achievements such as maintaining low infant and maternal mortality rates, educational accomplishments, and efforts in tourism and commerce, despite significant challenges.
What challenges is Villa Clara facing?
Villa Clara is grappling with extensive power outages, severe medication shortages, and a struggling agricultural sector, which greatly contradicts the recognition it received.
How have residents of Villa Clara reacted to the recognition?
Residents have expressed skepticism and disbelief, questioning the validity of the recognition amidst ongoing hardships such as blackouts and shortages.