In a poignant video shared on social media, a Cuban woman from Manatí, Las Tunas, sheds light on the severe energy crisis gripping the island. Her question encapsulates the anxiety of countless families: "Surviving or Succumbing?"
Lili Romero, speaking on Facebook, laments, "Just an hour and 45 minutes of power. We're getting used to it, just like we've adapted to losing internet, not having a landline, lacking basic food supplies, and going without liquefied gas. They have conditioned us to become useless beings."
"This isn't living. I don't know what you all think, but to me, Cubans have no quality of life. We're the walking dead. Soon, we'll be living fossils on the streets... How much longer must we endure this?" she questioned.
Her video sparked over 370 comments, many expressing outrage and frustration. One commenter bluntly stated, "We are Cuba's sheep." Another called for the end of the current government, "Down with the Castro dictatorship, freedom for political prisoners, freedom for Cuba, homeland and life."
Amidst the anger, there are also glimmers of hope: "I won't get used to this. One day, not too far away, Cuba will flourish again," wrote a follower.
Lili is no stranger to speaking out from Manatí. Recently, she shared another video highlighting over 22 hours of blackout in the area. Her experiences echo a widespread issue; Manatí has documented 96 blackout events this year alone, according to Las Tunas' blackout map.
In August, another of her videos went viral. It depicted a supposed lunch with a drawing of a chicken leg on paper and two bank cards on a plate, symbolizing the paradox of Cuba's banking system. People have money in the bank, yet there's no cash available at ATMs to buy food.
The internet cuts she mentions are acknowledged by the regime. In June, ETECSA reported that blackouts disrupt 47.5% of mobile radio bases and 56.5% of telecommunication cabinets nationwide.
The liquefied gas shortage Romero references has been a concern since January when the government indefinitely suspended distribution in eastern provinces. On the black market, a 10 kg cylinder of liquefied gas has been resold for between 10,000 and 70,000 Cuban pesos.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is largely attributed to outdated infrastructure, economic mismanagement by the government, and the increasing frequency of blackouts due to insufficient power generation.
How are Cubans coping with the blackouts?
Cubans are finding ways to adapt, such as reducing electricity consumption, using alternative cooking methods, and relying on community solidarity. However, many express frustration and see this as unsustainable.
What impact do blackouts have on daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts severely disrupt daily life, affecting everything from food preservation and cooking to communication and business operations. They contribute to a diminishing quality of life and heightened public dissatisfaction.