A Cuban from Guanabacoa dreams of leaving the island: "Even if I sell everything I have, I still can't afford the plane ticket."

William Sanjul, a Cuban from Guanabacoa, shares on TikTok his frustration about being unable to emigrate due to the economic crisis in Cuba. His story reflects the struggle of many Cubans seeking a better future.


A Cuban living in a rural area of Guanabacoa has moved social media with a video detailing his difficult situation in Cuba. Through his TikTok account @williamsanjul, the user identified as William Sanjul shared a reflection that exposes the frustrations and dreams of many Cubans facing economic and social limitations on the island.

"My dream is to one day leave this beautiful land, but my reality is different. I live in the poorest country in the world; that’s where I find myself," he expressed with a tone of resignation. The video, which has sparked hundreds of comments, shows William engaging in everyday activities in the rural environment where he lives, illustrating life in the less developed areas of the Cuban capital.

In the video, he also included statements that reflect his frustration with the limited prospects for progress. “I can't aspire to more than just being here. Even selling everything I have wouldn't be enough for the plane ticket,” he confessed, hinting at the deep gap between his desires and the economic reality he faces.

The post has resonated with many users, who empathize with William's despair. Some commented that his story reflects the experiences of millions of Cubans facing a crisis economy, with salaries that barely cover basic necessities, let alone the costs of emigration.

The dream of emigrating has been a constant longing for thousands of Cubans over the past decades. However, economic restrictions and the difficulties in accessing international transportation limit the opportunities for departure, especially for those living in rural areas who lack resources.

William's testimony is not just a cry for help, but also a reminder of the inequalities faced by Cubans in their daily lives. While some can afford to aspire to a better life outside of Cuba, others, like him, find themselves trapped in a cycle of limitations.

The video, available on TikTok, has received both supportive and critical comments. "This is what an everyday Cuban experiences, what they don't show you in the official news," said one user. Another added, "You're not alone; many of us live that reality, but we mustn't lose hope."

On the other hand, some users pointed out that not only economic limitations pose a challenge, but also bureaucratic restrictions on leaving the island, further complicating the situation for those who dream of emigrating.

William's story reflects the internal struggle of many Cubans who, torn between their love for their homeland and the daily hardships, dream of a better future away from the island. His testimony serves as a wake-up call to reflect on the living conditions in Cuba and the challenges faced by its inhabitants in their pursuit of change.

COMMENT

Filed under:

Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, I now live in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as a writer in the Entertainment section.