Raquel García Castro, a resident of Palma Soriano in Santiago de Cuba, recently shared a heart-wrenching video in which she tearfully describes the dire living conditions she endures under Cuba's socialist regime.
In the brief video, shared by exiled social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, Raquel expresses both her political frustration and personal despair.
"I don't want Díaz-Canel; I've never wanted Raúl either. I never got involved in politics, but I can't take it anymore," she declares, her voice breaking as she denounces the entire leadership chain of the dictatorship.
Living on the Edge
Raquel details a life pushed to its limits: she cooks with charcoal due to lack of electricity, food spoils during frequent blackouts, and the oppressive heat forces her to sleep on a mattress outside.
"Cooking with charcoal, how am I supposed to enjoy a coffee? How do I cope with food going bad? These blackouts are driving me crazy," she laments.
Mental Health Struggles
The toll on her mental health is significant: "I had to see a psychiatrist, and I have no medication either. I'm losing my mind," she admits.
She captures a sentiment shared by many Cubans: "I don't even feel like bathing, I don't feel like doing anything. I'm nearly crazy, I am crazy."
A Failing Infrastructure
The electrical crisis is compounded by the collapse of other essential services. Raquel reports that neighborhood children sell water bottles for 50 to 60 pesos, forcing her to purchase water containers, and she has been unable to cash her pension because the bank lacks cash.
To make matters worse, those who manage to withdraw funds do so at only 45% of the nominal value: "I feel like I can't take it anymore."
"I'm speaking on behalf of the Cuban people," Raquel García Castro declares before breaking down in tears, echoing a sentiment thousands of Cubans have shared on social media.
Power and Medicine Shortages
This testimony comes during one of Cuba's worst energy crises this year. Between July 6 and 14, the National Electric System collapsed three times, resulting in five total blackouts in 2026.
In Santiago de Cuba, the Antonio Maceo thermoelectric plant is undergoing maintenance, with Palma Soriano experiencing power cuts averaging 24 hours.
The shortage of medications exacerbates the situation: nationally, 461 out of 651 essential drugs are unavailable, meaning only 30% are stocked in state pharmacies.
Santiago de Cuba has just one psychiatric hospital, in poor condition, to serve the entire province.
Understanding Cuba's Crisis
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans according to Raquel García Castro?
Raquel García Castro highlights severe challenges like frequent power outages, lack of basic necessities such as electricity and water, mental health struggles without access to medication, and financial difficulties due to a lack of cash in banks.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis results in frequent blackouts, leading to spoiled food and unbearable heat conditions, forcing people like Raquel to cook with charcoal and sleep outside due to lack of cooling.
What is the state of healthcare and medication availability in Cuba?
Cuba faces a severe shortage of medications, with only 30% of essential drugs available in pharmacies. This shortage severely impacts healthcare, especially for those needing psychiatric treatment.
How do financial issues compound the struggles of Cubans like Raquel?
Financial issues are worsened by banks lacking cash, making it difficult for people to access their pensions or salaries, and when they do, they often receive only a fraction of the full amount.