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The Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz recalled last Friday the fifth anniversary of the car accident he suffered in 2020, taking the opportunity to criticize the National Insurance Company (ESEN), which he blames for not fulfilling the replacement of his vehicle.
“Today is my anniversary; five years ago I had an accident, and since that date, I have been waiting for the replacement of my car from ESEN,” Ortiz wrote on his Facebook profile.
In his message, he expressed frustration over the lack of concrete responses and pointed out the recent announcement of a new transportation law, which, in his view, seems to benefit other sectors before those insured like him.
The comedian reflected on the allocation of vehicles in Cuba, stating: “Today, vehicles that complete their rental service in tourism, while still in good condition, are redirected to replenish taxis, the insurance sector, state entities, and to incentivize doctors and athletes. I believe there are too many people sucking from a very small teat.”
Despite maintaining his characteristic ironic tone, Ortiz did not hide his disappointment regarding the treatment that, according to him, the insured receive.
He closed his post with a biting critique: “What is ESSENTIAL is invisible to the insured,” making his displeasure clear regarding the lack of priority given to citizens like him who continue to wait for solutions after years of unfulfilled promises.
The comedian accompanied his post with a picture of him smoking a cigar, a gesture that seems to symbolize the almost infinite patience he has had with the ESEN.
In December, Ortiz expressed his outrage on social media over the lengthy wait for ESEN to replace its vehicle, which was rendered inoperative in an accident.
“Within a month, I will be celebrating five years of waiting for the ESEN, five years dreaming of the famous reinstatement,” Ortiz commented on his Facebook profile, hinting at the desperation many Cubans face when dealing with the bureaucracy of such institutions.
The Cuban comedian has experienced a true ordeal with ESEN, after signing a contract to insure his car, which was incapacitated in an accident, and has yet to receive a solution.
In 2023, for example, he harshly criticized the state entity for announcing his intention to sue it for breaching its agreement.
Moreover, he accused the entire management team of "making agreements they cannot fulfill" and of merely "meeting with their dissatisfied clients to buy time and prolong their agony."
"In a country where importing cars is no longer a crime, in a country where a considerable amount of cars are taken from rental services for a company dedicated to dismantling them to sell for parts or to provide replacements, in a country where parking lots are full of unused cars, it is absurd that this company, ESEN, continues with the same discourse as years ago without providing a concrete response," he questioned on his Facebook.
In February, the comedian reacted indignantly to the official Mesa Redonda, which discussed insurance in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otto Ortiz and the Situation in Cuba
Why does Otto Ortiz criticize the National Insurance Company (ESEN)?
Otto Ortiz criticizes ESEN for its inefficiency and lack of response regarding the replacement of his vehicle, a process he has been waiting on for five years. This situation reflects a recurring issue in Cuba, where bureaucracy and the ineffectiveness of state institutions cause frustration for many citizens.
What issues does Otto Ortiz's story highlight about access to gasoline in Cuba?
Otto Ortiz's story illustrates the chronic fuel shortage in Cuba. Despite receiving a borrowed car, he quickly found himself without gasoline, reflecting the precarity and daily challenges Cubans face due to the lack of basic resources such as fuel.
How does Otto Ortiz use humor to address social issues in Cuba?
Otto Ortiz employs humor as a tool to highlight and critique the Cuban reality. Through anecdotes and jokes, such as his experience with ESEN and the fuel shortage, Ortiz manages to reflect the difficulties faced by Cubans, using comedy to provide a critical yet entertaining perspective on the situation on the island.
What impact does Otto Ortiz's criticism have on the public perception of Cuban institutions?
Otto Ortiz's critique underscores the distrust and frustration of Cubans towards state institutions. By publicly sharing his experiences and complaints, Ortiz not only expresses his personal dissatisfaction but also connects with an audience that shares his feelings, contributing to a more negative perception of these institutions.
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