The Cuban influencer Yeison López made headlines by gifting a farmer a horse, an act of generosity captured in a video on Instagram that quickly garnered over 11,000 reactions.
The recipient, an 80-year-old man named José, recently suffered a significant loss when thieves stole his team of oxen. These animals were not only his "treasures" but also his essential tools for work and transportation in rural Cuba.
A few days prior, Yeison had brought José’s plight to light in another post. José shared the harrowing details of how the thieves broke through two locks to steal his animals from their stable.
Yeison emphasized the severity of the crime: "This isn't about luxury; it's about his means of transportation and livelihood."
Unlike many influencers, Yeison does not accept direct donations from his followers. Instead, he relies on the revenue generated from the views of his videos on Facebook, the sole platform he monetizes.
He estimated that with five million views on the initial video, he would have enough funds to purchase a mare for the elderly man. He encouraged his community to watch, comment, and share the video to reach this goal.
In less than three days, even before receiving all the expected earnings from the views, Yeison took the initiative to buy a horse from a nearby village. With the horse in hand, he surprised José by delivering it directly to his home.
"For the man who lost his oxen, I want this little horse to be my gift to him," Yeison explained to the horse's seller. Upon presenting the horse to José, he added, "If we don't help each other...who will help us?"
José's situation highlights a severe crisis gripping Cuban agriculture. Theft of oxen and horses has surged across the island. Official statistics indicate that Cuba lost over 900,000 head of cattle between 2019 and 2024, a decline attributed to various factors, including theft and mortality.
Yeison López, who left Cuba at 15 and returned in 2026, is now in his mid-20s. His videos document the struggles of rural workers and families, particularly in the province of Artemisa. Yet, he also showcases the charm and resilience of the humble people in his community.
"Since starting this project, my dream has been to build a community so vast and far-reaching that just through video views, we can go around the world changing lives," Yeison expressed.
Key Issues Facing Cuban Agriculture
Why did Yeison López decide to give José a horse?
Yeison López decided to give José a horse after thieves stole José's oxen, which were crucial for his work and transportation. The gesture was aimed at helping José regain his ability to work and move around.
How does Yeison López fund his charitable acts?
Yeison López funds his charitable acts through the revenue generated from views on his Facebook videos, as he does not accept direct donations from his followers.
What broader issue does José's story highlight?
José's story highlights the increasing problem of livestock theft in Cuba, which is part of a larger crisis affecting the country's agricultural sector.