A young Cuban who identifies on social media as @kary_y_jony shared a video in which she lamented the gradual deterioration of the country's landscapes and cities, and questioned the stigma faced by those who choose to speak publicly about the crisis.
From a natural setting and accompanied by a personal narrative, the creator presents a reflection that has captured the attention of hundreds of users: “The Cuban is the only one who speaks poorly of his country,” she says at the beginning of the video, before clarifying that this is the phrase many repeat to her when she chooses to showcase what is happening in her surroundings.
The testimony, recorded in Cuba and published on TikTok, refers to the contrast between the country's natural beauty and the precarious living conditions experienced by a large part of the population.
"The most beautiful places are slowly being lost, the landscapes sold to you by tourist promotions are not meant for everyone's enjoyment, and sometimes in the most incredible areas is where you find the most misery, the most hunger, and the greatest need," he states in the video.
Through her account, the young woman reveals that even the most privileged environment fails to ease daily struggles, to the extent that “the sea loses its charm when your engineer's salary isn't enough to buy a snack for your child, and when the holidays end, you also don't know what shoes you'll send them to school with.”
In his message, he also refers to Baracoa, a city he recently visited that left him with a bitter impression. According to his account, the beauty that once characterized that corner of eastern Cuba is fading over time. “The Baracoa that once shone for its unique nature is no longer extinguished just by the lack of electricity, but also by neglect and the abandonment of some who only care about their own well-being,” he expresses in the video, which concludes with a question directed straight at those who criticize this type of denunciation: “Do you think that telling the truth is speaking ill of my country?”
Reactions came quickly. Several users responded to the post defending their right to express themselves, agreeing that denouncing the current situation does not equate to speaking ill of Cuba. “IT'S NOT ABOUT SPEAKING ILL OF CUBA, IT'S ABOUT SPEAKING ILL OF THE CASTRO REGIME,” wrote one of the most upvoted comments. Other users insisted on the same idea: that the problem is not the country, but the system that has governed it for more than six decades.
This is not the first time that @kary_y_jony has sparked debate on social media with their posts. In May, they showcased the current state of La Esquina de Tejas, an iconic spot in Havana which, in their words, “is now completely destroyed.” On that occasion, they expressed regret that a place which once served as a cinema, bakery, and café is not only closed, but also appears abandoned.
In June, during a visit to Baracoa, the same creator had already documented the state of the city, describing it as “faded and left to its own devices.” In that video, she also criticized the fact that even the most promoted tourist spots are plagued by power outages, closed hotels, and a lack of opportunities for the locals.
Other content creators have also documented the deterioration of public and heritage spaces in Cuba. One of the most recent cases is that of the Emperador hotel in Cayo Coco, showcased by user @abelitonemo, who explored its completely abandoned facilities since the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
In Santa Clara, the creator @ledyhr92 visited the former EIDE of the city, 13 years after her graduation. The state of devastation of the sports facility compelled her to publish a video that quickly went viral.
The situation described by these creators has also been reflected in other parts of the country. In Havana, a video shows what they call the “bus graveyard” of San Agustín, with dozens of state buses left as scrap in the open air. In Santiago de Cuba, the most emblematic sculpture of the Valley of Prehistory was completely dismantled after decades of neglect.
The latest reflection from @kary_y_jony adds to a citizen narrative that spans the entire island: one in which the natural landscapes remain, but memories, spaces, and opportunities are fading away amidst ruins, neglect, and institutional indifference. For many, like the young creator, sharing that reality is not speaking ill of the country, but rather refusing to remain silent.
Frequently asked questions about the deterioration in Cuba and the situation in Baracoa
Why is there talk of a progressive deterioration in the landscapes and cities of Cuba?
The deterioration in Cuba is due to the lack of maintenance and investment in infrastructure and services, which has led to the neglect of public, heritage, and tourist spaces. The situation is exacerbated by economic hardship and the lack of an adequate institutional response, reflecting a structural crisis in the country.
What is the current situation in Baracoa according to the testimonies of content creators?
Baracoa, known for its natural beauty, is facing a state of neglect and deterioration, with prolonged power outages, closed hotels, and a lack of opportunities for the locals. Testimonials highlight the sadness and emotional impact experienced by the population due to the decline of a city that used to be vibrant and tourist-friendly.
How does the crisis in Cuba affect the tourism sector?
The crisis in Cuba has negatively impacted tourism, with a significant decrease in visitors and hotel occupancy. Shortages in basic services, power outages, and urban decay have discouraged tourists, affecting the profitability of the sector and leaving tourist hotspots like Varadero almost empty.
What reactions do the reports about the situation in Cuba generate on social media?
Reports about the situation in Cuba on social media elicit reactions of outrage, support, and criticism towards the government and the political system of the country. Citizens' testimonies document the precariousness and deterioration, and users express both solidarity and frustration at the lack of effective changes.
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