The crisis that ignites the protests in Cuba
The situation on the island is critical. A drastic decline in its fuel reserves, compounded by external pressures, has brought daily life to a standstill. Constant blackouts, food and medicine shortages are now the norm.
The origin of the problem is clear: the vital flow of crude oil from Venezuela was cut off. Pressure increased when the previous US administration threatened sanctions on any country that tried to sell fuel to Cuba.
Faced with isolation, the island has tried to survive with natural gas, solar energy and its own minimal production. But it is not enough. Domestic demand far exceeds supply.
A help that does not reach its destination
Countries like Mexico have sent support. Last Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum reported the sending of a ship with humanitarian aid.
But there is a worrying complaint. José Luis, a Cuban who arrived in Mexico two years ago, shared with EL UNIVERSAL what his relatives told him:
“In the end, what the Cuban government is doing is using that aid to sell it, instead of benefiting the population. The same thing happened with fuel when it was sent to them: instead of giving it to the people, they sold it to other countries.”
Although he views the Mexican gesture favorably, José Luis asks for clarity: “there should be communication between the presidents. They should tell him: ‘Hey, if I’m giving it to you, give it to the people.'”
He accuses the leaders of living comfortably while the people suffer. “The government… lives comfortably, with food, electricity and luxuries – even a private plane – the people are starving.”
For him, the main problem is internal. “They say it’s because of the blockade, but they have that blockage themselves.”
Life without light or safe food
Official reports speak of a gradual restoration of electricity. But José Luis tells another reality from the Isle of Youth.
“Sometimes they spend 16 or even 18 hours without electricity. Since there is no light, they cannot cook… The little food that people have is spoiled by not being able to refrigerate it.”
Many families have had to resort to cooking with firewood. “A bag of coal is very expensive in Cuba,” he explains.
State control over food is total through the ‘supply book’. Everything is rationed: bread, rice… And also expensive and in poor condition.
“Rice… there comes a time when weevils even appear on it… And even if people see that it has animals, they only clean it and eat it, because if not, they will die of hunger.”
The exodus and a new life
This climate has forced thousands to emigrate. José Luis sold his house and his car to pay for a trip initially to the United States that ended in Mexico.
He now describes his life here as “being in glory.” He has rebuilt his assets: car, motorcycle for his wife… He remembers the impact of entering a store and seeing abundance for the first time.
Although he misses some aspects of the Cuban system—such as free health care—he says that nothing compensates for the lack of freedoms.
Their hope now is placed on radical political change from outside. He wants the statements about a possible intervention to materialize to end what he calls a dictatorship.
Meanwhile, in Cuba people have lost their fear. The protests are more intense and openly challenge the authorities even in the face of the risk of jail or deliberate cuts to the state internet.
