While some stand out for their solidarity during the current energy crisis in Cuba, others have chosen to take advantage of the situation, embodying the old saying "in troubled waters, fishermen profit."
Such is the case of Yondy Chávez, who has faced strong criticism on social media after offering cellphone charging services for 200 pesos per hour in the Facebook group "Bazar Santiago de Cuba."
"Interested parties, please contact me privately. Available in Santiago, delivery can be arranged for an additional cost," added Chávez in his "promotion."
In just a few hours, the post garnered over 400 comments, most of which were criticisms directed at the young man, as many believe that, amid the current energy crisis, solidarity should take precedence over personal gain.
Leico Maria Ramirez Ley remarked: "Oh God, and despite so many misfortunes, there are people who are capable of charging others for doing them a favor. If we don't help each other, who will? Because the government only gives us more misery, more hunger, more poverty, and then this."
"What audacity! They turn every misfortune and adversity into a business. How low humanity can sink, what a lack of sensitivity towards others!" remarked Grechi Rivera.
Julio Cesar remarked: "We must help ourselves; do not 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 is sad to do that in a moment like this; if the lack of electricity were a permanent situation, it would seem normal, but under these conditions, I currently have more than 15 phones charging in my house, and I don't charge anyone a dime. We need to be more empathetic, Cubans," said Katia Ramos.
However, it's not just in Santiago de Cuba where some people are "fishing" amid the chaos prevailing in the country.
In Havana, a video has gone viral showing how some locals are charging up to 200 Cuban pesos to charge a cell phone, an image that reflects the harsh reality faced by the population amid the fourth day of widespread blackouts in Cuba.
The material, published on TikTok (@conocecuba71), shows how prolonged power outages 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 this Monday that when service is restored, the connection of high-consumption equipment could cause another failure in the system.
The announcement was made by the Electric Company via 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 despair of watching the few foods they managed to store in their refrigerators spoil.
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