Amidst the severe energy crisis affecting Cuba, a nighttime image of illuminated Varadero sparked controversy on social media as it contrasted with the darkness that prevails in much of the country due to power outages.
The screenshot, taken from a promotional video posted on the Facebook profile of the user identified as Pucho Oroza, showcases the popular resort fully illuminated, while numerous provinces are facing prolonged power outages of up to 20 hours.
The energy situation in Cuba has worsened recently, especially since the widespread blackouts the island experienced at the end of October.
On this February 14th, the government closed schools and asked non-essential workers to stay home due to extensive blackouts following the failure of a main power plant.
Currently, only six of the 15 thermoelectric plants are operational, and the fuel shortage prevents the use of smaller diesel generators. This crisis has led to the most significant blackouts since the power grid collapses of last October, affecting the entire nation and causing unrest among the population.
The capital, Havana, experiences outages of up to 10 hours a day, while in rural areas, blackouts can extend up to 24 hours in some locations. This situation has exacerbated daily hardships, including shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, leading to an increase in the emigration of Cubans.
The regime attributes these difficulties to the U.S. trade embargo and the imposed sanctions, while experts point to internal issues such as corruption and inefficiency.
The image of a radiant Varadero amidst this crisis has sparked debates about the prioritization of resources in tourist areas to the detriment of the basic needs of the population.
While hotels and tourist areas maintain electrical supply to ensure the comfort of visitors, citizens are facing prolonged blackouts that impact their quality of life. This disparity highlights the tensions between the development of the tourism sector and the well-being of the general population.
In summary, the image of a lit-up Varadero starkly contrasts with the reality of darkness experienced by many Cubans, highlighting the inequalities in resource distribution and the complex energy situation the country is facing.
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