Talking about Cuba is never easy, especially when it comes from the heart. In a video that has struck an emotional chord, @cubansalvi503family, a Cuban living in the United States married to a Salvadoran, responded to a comment asking why she would have liked to be born in another country. Her words, filled with pain and sincerity, have left no one indifferent.
"From the country of Cuba, if it can still be called that, very little remains; practically, it is a country in ruins," she begins, her tone filled with sadness. In her testimony, the young woman describes how in her homeland "there is no freedom, there is oppression, there is hunger, there is misery, there are no medicines." Furthermore, she mourns that studying and preparing for a profession does not always yield rewards: "People are studying for the sake of it, without earning even a cent from what they study."
One of the most frequently mentioned points by cubansalvi503family is the scarcity of basic necessities: food, essential products, and services as simple as a shower with hot water. "I would have liked to have been born in a country where there is food, because there isn't any here," they say, adding that these things should not be privileges, but rights.
The creator also reflects on the professional frustrations many Cubans experience: “I would have liked to have studied and practiced my degree, rather than living with the frustration of not being able to have the profession I love.” For her, the pain doesn’t stop there; she speaks sadly about what it means to see her daughter grow up away from her family: “A country where my daughter wouldn’t have had to grow up far from her grandmother, her great-grandmother, her grandparents, or her roots.”
The video by cubansalvi503family has sparked a debate on social media, with reactions ranging from empathy to reflections on other realities. Users have quickly expressed their support, offered advice, or shared their own experiences:
"It had to be said, and it was," commented one user approvingly, while another reflected on the differences between countries: "The saddest thing is that there are many people in El Salvador who complain about the country and are never satisfied. They don't realize how lucky they are to live there." To which another added: "They need a Bukele," referring to the Salvadoran president.
Some Cubans agreed with his testimony, pointing out the lack of opportunities on the island: "What you say is true; one has potential, but in Cuba, you can't because corruption governs, and there's no way to get ahead." Others acknowledged the pain of those who must leave in search of a better life: "Thank God you are free now, but don't forget your country."
There were also Salvadorans who reached out and offered their affection: “You are welcome, princess, to our El Salvador”; “Thank God you have a new opportunity in our country.”
For many, the Cuban's words were hard to ignore. “Those words resonated deeply,” wrote a follower, while another confessed, “I went to Havana, and what you say is true... Well said.” However, there were also critical voices that attempted to separate the issue of the country from its people: “Cuba is a beautiful country; it’s the rulers who have bad hearts.”
The testimony of cubansalvi503family not only reveals a reality but also puts into perspective what it means to leave one's homeland in search of freedom and opportunities. Although today she has found stability in the United States alongside her Salvadoran husband, her love and commitment to Cuba remain unwavering: she returns to the island to support her family and never forgets her roots.
His words reflect the desire of many: a Cuba where there is food, freedom, and a future full of opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba and its Impact on Cuban Emigrants
Why does the Cuban @cubansalvi503family wish they had been born in a different country or in a free Cuba?
The Cuban @cubansalvi503family expresses a desire to have been born in a different country or in a free Cuba due to the lack of freedom, oppression, hunger, misery, and the scarcity of basic goods on the island. Additionally, they lament that professional opportunities are limited, leading to the frustration of not being able to practice their desired profession. Their testimony reflects the longing of many Cubans to live in a place where basic rights are guaranteed and where there is a future full of opportunities.
What are the main difficulties faced by Cuban emigrants when trying to assist their families on the island?
Cuban emigrants face several challenges when assisting their families in Cuba, including criticism from other Cubans, the constant demands from their relatives, and the economic limitations they encounter in their host countries. Additionally, they must cope with the emotional pressure of wanting to send more than they can and the guilt they feel when they are unable to meet the expectations of their loved ones on the island.
How do experiences abroad influence Cubans' perceptions of their homeland?
Experiences abroad allow many Cubans to compare the quality of life and opportunities available outside of Cuba with those on the island. This contrast often heightens frustration with the Cuban regime and the socioeconomic situation in Cuba. Furthermore, many emigrants feel nostalgia and sadness for being away from their family and roots, which reinforces their commitment to helping their loved ones on the island.
What challenges do tourists face when visiting Cuba today?
Tourists visiting Cuba face challenges such as the energy crisis causing power outages, shortages of food and medicine, and the poor quality of tourist services. Additionally, there is a risk of falling victim to scams and insecurity. These conditions make the tourism experience on the island uncomfortable and unpredictable.
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