A young Cuban shared on social media her experience after waiting for more than three hours to withdraw money from an ATM in Cuba. In the video, where she showed the line, @kary_y_jony took a jab at the Mexican youtuber Luisito Comunica for presenting a partial image of Cuban reality during his recent visit to the island.
"I’m sure Luisito Comunica didn't tell you this. Yes, he left the story half-told," says the young woman as she shows the long line in front of a bank branch with her camera. "I’ve been in this ATM queue for over three hours, since eight in the morning. Don’t think it's just this small group of people… look over there at the number of folks," she adds, pointing to a crowd extending down both sides of the street.
According to what he explains, of the three ATMs available, only one had cash. "I don't know what time I'm going to leave here, you tell me what you think," he concludes with evident frustration.
The video has generated a variety of comments among the users who watched it. Some offered encouragement—“Oh God, stay strong Kary,” wrote an internet user—while others made comparisons to similar situations in Venezuela or recalled that Luisito Comunica himself had mentioned limitations in the Cuban banking system.
"That's what Luisito said," noted one user, while another commented, "It already looks like the bank tellers from Banco Venezuela in Porlamar."
The young woman's words come amid a controversy on social media regarding the videos of the youtuber Luisito Comunica, who has been criticized for presenting an idealized version of Cuba. In his posts, the influencer explored tourist areas, dined at restaurants, and portrayed the island as an accessible destination with a wealth of gastronomic options.
The Spanish influencer Laura Méndez questioned this approach: “He filmed Cuba as if he were in Disney World, suggesting that anyone can find food everywhere, and that is not true.” She added that Luisito “ate more in one day than a Cuban does in a month” and accused him of omitting the real context of the country.
In response to the criticism, Luisito Comunica apologized on social media, acknowledging that he "failed to consider that in Cuba, for many, eating is a luxury." He expressed that he was affected by the comments from Cubans who claimed they had never tasted some of the dishes he showcased in his videos.
A persistent situation in the country
On May 18th, the Banco Metropolitano announced limitations on its ATMs due to "technological changes," although it did not provide specific details. Most of the comments on social media agreed that these issues are common.
In Santiago de Cuba, several elderly individuals have been seen sleeping in doorways and on sidewalks of the historic center while trying to collect their pensions, amid a cash shortage and the collapse of the banking system. The images depict long lines at ATMs and scenes of extreme vulnerability, reflecting the state's neglect toward the most fragile sectors of society.
The situation is not exclusive to the ATMs. Reports are also circulating on social media, like one from a citizen who shared images of the banco de Línea y Paseo in Havana, showing dozens of people waiting outside. "This is how the banco de Línea y Paseo looked this morning... there is no electricity, there is no connection, there is none," she said, reflecting the enduring dilemma of the problems and shortages that Cubans face.
Also in April, the Cuban creator El Henry shared a viral video that showcased the challenges of withdrawing money in Havana, amidst power outages, broken machines, and the need to find solutions "through the back door," paying commissions to individuals.
The cash shortage, combined with the structural problems of the Cuban banking system, continues to impact the daily lives of millions of citizens who must endure long waits and precarious conditions to access their own money.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Banking Crisis and Cuba's Image on Social Media
What is the current situation of ATMs in Cuba?
ATMs in Cuba face serious limitations, with long lines and frequent cash shortages. Often, only one of several ATMs is operational, leading to waits of several hours. The lack of cash and technological failures are recurring issues in the Cuban banking system.
Why has the YouTuber Luisito Comunica been criticized for his visit to Cuba?
Luisito Comunica was criticized for presenting an idealized image of Cuba, focusing on tourist areas and culinary experiences that do not reflect the everyday reality of life in Cuba. His content was seen as a romanticization of life in Cuba, overlooking the conditions of scarcity and limitations faced by the local population.
How has Luisito Comunica responded to the criticism regarding his content in Cuba?
Luisito Comunica apologized on social media, acknowledging that his content did not take into account the context of scarcity in Cuba. He expressed that his intention was to celebrate Cuban culture, but admitted that he failed to mention the difficulties that Cubans face in accessing basic food items.
What impact does the banking crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The banking crisis severely affects the daily lives of Cubans. Long lines to withdraw cash, cash shortages, and technological issues with ATMs limit access to one's own money. This forces many to turn to informal solutions and pay additional fees to obtain cash.
What does the international community think about the situation in Cuba as presented by influencers?
The international community has reacted with a mix of support and criticism. Some express gratitude to influencers for bringing attention to the Cuban reality, while others criticize the lack of depth in analyzing the country's structural problems. The debate focuses on the responsibility of content creators in documenting realities marked by inequality and scarcity.
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