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A heart-wrenching testimony shared on social media has given face and voice to the outrage of thousands of Cubans who suffer daily from the energy crisis.
Elizabeth González Aznar shared an open letter on Sunday addressed to the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, on Facebook, in which she denounces the prolonged blackouts and lack of gas, directly urging the authorities regarding the suffering of the population.
"What are we to you? Animals? Lambs?" González wrote, visibly affected by the disrespect shown towards the blackout schedule.
According to his account, although a five-hour power cut was scheduled for that day in his block, electricity took an additional two hours to be restored, under the argument that it needed to be done "gradually" to avoid overloading the system.
The Cuban emphasized that this practice happens constantly, with the added issue that families prepare to cook as soon as the electricity returns, amidst a chronic shortage of domestic gas.
"Don't you think about the thousands of people who, after working eight hours, wait for the light to prepare food for their children and their elderly?" she asked.
The claim comes at a particularly sensitive time: the beginning of the school year.
González reported that, during the day for covering books and organizing study materials, his family was without electricity from 2:30 PM until 9 PM.
"Who cares what happens to us? Until when?" he questioned in his post.
The letter, written in a firm tone yet filled with pain, reflects the accumulated desperation after years of blackouts that not only disrupt daily life but also affect food, health, and the organization of households.
González also criticized the punctuality with which electricity is cut off compared to the constant delays in restoring it: “They are punctual when it comes to cutting off the power, but they are never on time to restore it, and they always have excuses.”
In her message, the citizen also highlighted the lack of sensitivity among those in charge of the energy sector, questioning whether ministerial decisions take into account the reality of families who wait for hours to cook or simply to rest after a workday.
"Honestly, Minister, I don't understand why they mistreat us so much. Enough already," she declared.
González Aznar's complaint is not an isolated case. Throughout the island, Cubans have reported the failure to adhere to blackout distribution plans, the arbitrary extension of power cuts, and the gas crisis that forces them to rely solely on electricity for cooking or turn to firewood and charcoal.
The discontent manifests in spontaneous protests, messages on social media, and direct criticism of the authorities, who have so far only provided technical explanations and unfulfilled promises.
The contrast between the rawness of citizen testimony and the official discourse is striking. While the government insists on speaking of “transformations” and “resistance,” the population faces endless nights without electricity, long lines to obtain fuel, and a life marked by uncertainty.
The letter from Elizabeth González Aznar encapsulates that tension: the demand for respect and dignity in the face of a State that responds with silence or repression.
A phrase echoes in their complaint: "What are we to you? Animals?"
A question that, beyond the anecdote of a blackout, reflects the feelings of millions of Cubans who feel that their daily sacrifices go unanswered and unacknowledged.
In March, Elizabeth González Aznar directed a public message to President Miguel Díaz-Canel, denouncing the economic and social crisis the country is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are there so many blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to multiple factors: technical failures in thermal power plants, fuel shortages, lack of structural investment, and prolonged maintenance of infrastructure. Despite official promises to improve the situation, extended blackouts continue to affect the population, with outages lasting up to 22 hours a day in some regions.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages in Cuba significantly disrupt daily life: families cannot cook, preserve food, or rest properly due to the heat and lack of electricity. Furthermore, the shortage of gas forces many to cook with firewood or charcoal, which exacerbates the situation in a context of economic crisis.
Are there differences in the distribution of blackouts among regions of Cuba?
Yes, there is a perception of inequality in the distribution of power outages: while some provinces experience cuts of up to 72 hours, in Havana the outages tend to be shorter and planned. This situation has led to tensions and accusations of favoritism towards the capital, exacerbating the divisions between regions.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to mitigate the energy crisis by incorporating generators and promising long-term improvements, but these measures have been insufficient. The population continues to face an electrical collapse with promises of solutions that do not materialize, increasing skepticism and frustration among citizens.
What is the reaction of the Cuban population to the blackouts?
The Cuban population has responded with growing outrage and discontent, expressed through protests, social media messages, and direct criticism of the government. Power outages not only affect the quality of life but also reflect a deep sense of abandonment and inequality, exacerbating social tensions in the country.
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