Following concerns raised by an incident during a live television broadcast, the General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), Lázaro Guerra, broke his silence and clarified to Cubadebate that he is in good health and did not suffer any serious incident.
"I am in good health, I continue working as usual," Guerra stated to the official media.
"Simply put, that day (Wednesday), I ran out of breath to speak, but those are things that happen live on television. After that, I went out again and finished the segment."
He also thanked everyone who cared about his well-being and confirmed that he continues to work as usual
"Fortunately, I don't have any health issues that would prevent me from it."
The official's statements come days after, last Wednesday, he caused a moment of alarm during his regular television appearance regarding the situation of the National Electric System (SEN), which was broadcast live on Canal Caribe.
The live incident
During the energy report, just as he was talking about the situation of the floating power plants - around minute 5:40 of the broadcast - Guerra began to show signs of discomfort, breathing with difficulty and, without saying a word, he placed his hand on his chest and left the set while gesturing towards someone off-camera.
Journalist Bernardo Espinosa briefly took over the presentation while the broadcast continued without interruption. Minutes later, Guerra returned on air and concluded the report, seemingly recovered, without explaining what had happened.
Although the moment was not addressed at that time by either him or the channel, speculations and comments quickly circulated on social media, some of a critical tone and others expressing genuine concern.
"Poor man, he doesn't even know what to say anymore, and he's not to blame for what’s happening, and it’s daily"; "Karma has come to collect. You can't lie for so long without mercy just to protect a position"; "He’s going to have a heart attack; he’s very nervous and stressed"; "He has to face the inexplicable, saying the same thing every day with no solution" and "He should resign," were some of the comments generated by the scene.
Shortly after the incident, the official spokesperson Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed on social media that Guerra was working normally and had not experienced any serious complications.
"Tomorrow, like every day for the past three years, he will explain the SEN forecast," he assured.
The direct confirmation from Guerra to Cubadebate strengthens that version and rules out any health issue that might prevent him from continuing his work.
A heavy burden: facing the blackouts
Lázaro Guerra has become the most visible face of the energy crisis that has been affecting Cuba for years. His role as spokesperson for the electrical sector exposes him daily to public scrutiny, announcing widespread blackouts to a population exhausted by prolonged outages.
In an interview with Cubadebate granted in January 2024, Guerra confessed that television was not something he enjoyed and that he accepted that role because it was assigned to him, but "he was really avoiding it."
"The responsibility of communicating carries a great burden, and what one says can significantly impact people's lives. Believe me, delivering bad news is not pleasant," she remarked.
"I don't think I can announce a blackout with a smile. We must have empathy and sensitivity towards our population. None of us is happy with this situation," he emphasized.
Despite the criticism he receives for the content of his work, the official himself claimed that people on the street usually treat him with respect.
However, the incident on Wednesday highlighted how demanding it can be to carry the burden of delivering bad news every day, especially in a country where electricity has become an intermittent privilege.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lázaro Guerra Incident and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What happened to Lázaro Guerra during the live broadcast?
Lázaro Guerra experienced difficulty breathing and placed his hand on his chest during a live broadcast about the energy situation in Cuba. However, he returned to the air minutes later and assured that he was in good health.
What is Lázaro Guerra's current health situation?
According to statements from Lázaro Guerra and confirmations from official journalists, Guerra is in good health and continues to work normally at the Electric Union.
What reactions did the Lázaro Guerra incident generate on social media?
The incident generated a variety of reactions on social media, ranging from genuine concerns for his health to critical comments regarding his role in communicating the dire energy situation in Cuba. Some users questioned the stress he faces when delivering bad news about the blackouts.
What is the current status of the National Electric System in Cuba?
The National Electric System of Cuba is facing a significant crisis, with frequent blackouts and a deficit in electricity generation. The causes include fuel shortages, breakdowns in generating units, and a lack of investment in infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuban authorities have committed to solar energy and the creation of microsystems to supply electricity to specific areas. However, these measures have proven inadequate to address the paralysis of thermal power plants and meet the country's energy demand.
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