Criticism rains down on Santiago resident who charges 200 pesos an hour to charge cell phones amid energy crisis.

While some stand out for their solidarity amid the current energy crisis in Cuba, others have decided to take advantage of the situation, applying the old saying "in troubled waters, fishermen profit."

Such is the case of Yondy Chávez, who has been heavily criticized on social media after offering in the Facebook group "Bazar Santiago de Cuba" cellphone charging for 200 pesos per hour.

"Interested ones in private message. Available in Santiago, delivery is available for an additional cost," added Chávez in his "promotion."

In a few hours, the post accumulated over 400 comments, mostly criticisms towards the young man, as many believe that, amid the current energy crisis, solidarity should prevail over personal gain.

Leico Maria Ramirez Ley commented: "My God, and despite so many misfortunes, there are people who are capable of charging for doing favors for others. If we don't help each other, who will? Because the government only gives us more misery, more hunger, more poverty, and then this."

"How shameless! From every misfortune, from any adversity, they set up a business. How low does humanity fall, how lack of sensitivity towards others!" pointed out Grechi Rivera.

Julio Cesar stated: "We have to help ourselves, don't be greedy, if you want to charge, charge at least 20 or 25 pesos, not 50 or more, remember, we are alone in this world."

"It's sad to do that at a time like this. If the lack of electricity was permanent, it would seem normal, but under these conditions, I currently have more than 15 phones charging at my house, and I don't charge anyone a dime. Cubans need to be more empathetic," said Katia Ramos.

However, it is not only in Santiago de Cuba where some people are "fishing" amid the chaos that reigns in the country.

In Havana, a video has gone viral showing how some locals are charging up to 200 Cuban pesos to charge a cellphone, an image that reflects the harsh reality faced by the population amid the fourth day of massive blackouts in Cuba.

The material, published on TikTok (@conocecuba71), shows how prolonged blackouts have forced affected individuals to seek alternatives to keep their electronic devices charged.

Unfortunately, many people do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Electric Company in Santiago de Cuba warned its customers on Monday that, when the service is restored, connecting high-consumption equipment could cause a new failure in the system.

The announcement was made by the Electric Company through the Telegram platform, but it is naive to assume that people will follow this recommendation when thousands of families have been without electricity for more than 72 hours, facing the desperation of watching the few food items they managed to store in their refrigerators go bad.