A Cuban woman living in the United States sparked a lively discussion online with her frank message addressing those in Cuba who receive remittances and dismiss them as inadequate. She emphasized that the $20 sent to the island is not spare change; it is hard-earned money that comes from the sweat of the sender's brow.
The video, posted by content creator Yuyuvlogs on her Facebook account under the title "What Are 12,000 Pesos in Cuba?", responds to another Cuban who complained that this sum — roughly equivalent to $20 — is insufficient as it barely covers two weeks' worth of food on the island.
"You're right; 12,000 pesos are not much in Cuba," Yuyu candidly replied, "but you need to appreciate that at least those of us here are helping you with those pesos that fall into your hands, which you didn't work for, didn't fight for, and didn't have to wake up at 5:30 a.m. for."
Without denying Cuba's harsh realities, the creator highlights the significance of those $20 for the sender: "It's late nights, it's staying up to prepare things at home for the next day before heading to work."
"Here, we sacrifice those $20 to send them to Cuba. Those $20 represent food for our children, a pair of shoes they need, school supplies, a medical appointment," Yuyu emphasized.
Her message ends with a straightforward warning: "If you have someone on this side helping you, even if it's just with 1,000 pesos, be grateful. Behind that money, there's a multitude of sacrifices made to give it to you."
The comments on the video resonated with the shared experiences of Cubans across various countries.
"It's not just money, it's sacrifice, it's love. Often, those sending money from abroad don't send what they have extra; they send what they need themselves. Blessings to everyone who works tirelessly for their loved ones," wrote one follower.
From Italy, another user pointed out that "20 euros are two hours of nonstop work," expressing frustration over the lack of appreciation for the effort involved.
A Cuban in Brazil shared that she earns 100 reais in a day "cleaning like a slave" and it pains her when the money she sends to Cuba is not valued.
A Florida resident was more concise: "I live in Miami, and if someone gave me $20 right now, I'd be thrilled."
Another Cuban abroad wished people in Cuba could experience life outside: "Some say it's luck to earn money. It's not luck. It's sacrifice, sleepless nights, loneliness, and working from Monday to Monday to send those $20 that might mean little to some there, but for those who work for it, it's a lot."
The tension between remittance senders and receivers remains a recurring issue within the Cuban diaspora. The high cost of living in host countries — including rent, transportation, and childcare — leaves little room for savings, and remittances often come from this already tight budget.
One user summed up the frustration of many Cuban emigrants with a single sentence: "They tell me, 'top up or send me 50 euros; it's nothing.' I'd love to send them the water or electricity bill so they can analyze and think, but they're not ready for that conversation."
Understanding the Impact of $20 Remittances to Cuba
Why do Cubans abroad send $20 remittances?
Cubans abroad often send $20 remittances because it's a manageable amount from their tight budgets, intended to help relatives in Cuba with basic necessities despite the high cost of living in their host countries.
What does the $20 mean for those who send it?
For those sending the money, $20 represents personal sacrifices such as working long hours, forgoing personal needs, and enduring financial strain to support loved ones in Cuba.
How do recipients in Cuba view the $20 remittances?
Recipients in Cuba may see $20 as insufficient due to the high cost of living and economic challenges on the island, sometimes overlooking the effort involved in earning and sending it.