The Cuban reggaeton artist Jorge Junior, leader of the group Los 4, has once again used his social media to express his dissatisfaction with the situation in the country, this time directly pointing to the prolonged and repetitive power outages that affect millions of Cubans.
Through a post on his Facebook account, accompanied by an image of himself holding a decorative figure in what appears to be his home, the artist made a direct critique of the authorities responsible for the electrical system on the island:
"Listen, whatever your name is, I know we have issues with oil, that we're under a blockade, and all that. But man, what I find neither logical nor fair is that you take it away from me five times a day without warning. Dude, I have a 9-month-old baby and my recording equipment is incredibly expensive. At least give me a heads up so I can be prepared, or are you just trying to mess with my gear?" he wrote, clearly upset.
In his complaint, the musician referred to the impact that power outages have not only on his family life but also on his professional work. The mention of his young daughter and the expensive technical equipment reflects a concern that goes beyond mere inconvenience: the constant uncertainty that Cubans face in the face of an energy crisis with no solution in sight.
However, its publication sparked a wave of criticism from users who accused him of justifying the regime or downplaying the responsibility of the Cuban government.
Among the most notable comments were: “You have the opportunity to live in freedom and you chose your communism, so now take responsibility… and that's nothing, get ready for what's coming” and “He talks about a blockade, how crazy!”.
Another user, for his part: "Man, if you're going to complain, just leave, what blockade or nothing? You've walked every corner of this country, where honestly there’s neither a blockade nor a lack of oil... You looked really bad there, bro, honestly. Did you see how poorly that came across? This is how all Cubans feel, man, it's just that you hit a nerve."
"Jorgito, Cuba has never been blocked. It was just a matter of time before we realized all the lies we have been told for many years. But well, there are still Cubans who believe there is a blockade. There is a blockade, but it is internal," wrote a follower.
Jorge Junior's complaint comes amidst one of the worst electrical crises the island has experienced in recent years. Power outages last for more than 24 hours in some provinces, and in Havana, the service is limited to just about four hours a day during the early morning. According to the authorities themselves, the critical situation will persist throughout the summer.
The Cuban government has directly blamed the United States for the energy crisis. The ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged recently the critical state of the national electrical system, while the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines reiterated that the "blockade" is responsible for the majority of the blackouts.
Jorge Junior thus joins a growing list of public figures who, from both inside and outside Cuba, are denouncing the critical situation of the electrical system on the island. However, in his case, his ambiguous stance on the blockade has generated strong backlash from part of his audience.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis and blackouts in Cuba
What has caused the blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to technical failures in thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and outdated infrastructure. The Cuban government also blames the U.S. "blockade," although many citizens and public figures both inside and outside the island criticize this stance and point to the lack of planning and management by the regime as the main causes.
How are power outages affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, who face difficulties in preserving food, cooking, and carrying out basic tasks. Moreover, power outages create an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration, worsening already challenging living conditions due to resource scarcity and the high cost of living. The situation is especially critical for families with small children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to extreme heat and lack of electricity.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attributed the energy crisis primarily to the "blockade" imposed by the United States and issues with electricity generation. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by many Cubans, who criticize the lack of self-criticism and the regime's inefficient management. In response to the crisis, measures such as the use of generators have been implemented, but these have been insufficient to effectively resolve the problem.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the blackouts and the government's response?
The Cuban population has reacted with outrage and frustration to the blackouts and the government's response. On social media, many citizens have voiced their discontent and criticized the lack of effective solutions. Public figures have also raised their voices, denouncing the situation and holding the regime accountable for the crisis. These reactions reflect a widespread fed-up sentiment and a growing demand for change in the country's management.
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