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After the regime announced the restoration of the National Electric System (SEN), following the national blackout this Wednesday, personal stories begin to emerge about the consequences of the massive blackout: financial losses, spoiled food, and affected families.
This Thursday, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on Facebook the complaint of a self-employed worker who claimed to have lost part of his merchandise due to a lack of refrigeration during the massive blackout.
In the private conversation that Mayeta had access to, the entrepreneur —whose name was kept confidential to avoid reprisals— expressed with distress: “They are corrupting me. I have suffered many losses.”
Along with his message, he shared images of sausages in a clear state of deterioration.
The situation reflects the struggle of many private businesses that rely on refrigeration equipment to preserve their products, and as they face prolonged power outages, they suffer significant economic losses for which the regime does not take responsibility.
However, beyond the economic loss, testimonies like this highlight the vulnerability of small businesses that, amid the crisis, are forced to discard food that represents months of investment and sacrifice.
On the other hand, the same tragedy is experienced by those who, amidst one of the worst economic crises in Cuban history, manage to acquire some food, albeit at prices that exceed their purchasing power, and now it is going to waste due to the regime's incompetence.
The scene is compared to the misery left behind by natural phenomena, when the fury of the wind, the sea, or the rains sweeps away despair and neglect.
However, this problem does not only emerge during a massive blackout, but is part of the harsh daily reality.
A Cuban mother revealed the ordeal she suffers due to the lack of electricity, explaining that she has to plan each day according to when she will be able to cook or refrigerate food, a reality shared by thousands of families on the island. Her complaint encapsulates the ongoing uncertainty that even impacts children's nutrition.
In another recent case, a Cuban woman recounted the 30 hours without electricity that she experienced with her sick daughter, unable to preserve medications or basic food supplies.
The experience was described as traumatic and revealed the extent of abandonment that citizens face due to the inefficiency of the electrical system and the lack of government responses.
Months ago, a reflection shared by a Cuban user went viral as it denounced that in Cuba having food at home has become a luxury.
The author highlighted the frustration of being unable to preserve food due to the instability of the electrical service, which further exacerbates food insecurity. Her message appealed to common sense and the dignity that is lost when one cannot even keep food from spoiling.
This pattern has been repeating for years. In Santa Clara, a group of residents publicly protested when power outages spoiled the food they had managed to gather with great effort.
The desperate screams and collective outrage were captured on video, highlighting a situation that was already critical at the time and has only worsened over time.
Another testimony, gathered last month, highlighted the daily struggle of putting a meal on the table. The author of the account criticized the indifference of the authorities towards the suffering of the population, who, in addition to facing shortages and high prices, must deal with constant losses due to power outages.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of Blackouts in Cuba
How do massive blackouts affect small businesses in Cuba?
Mass blackouts severely impact small businesses in Cuba as many rely on refrigeration to preserve their products. The lack of electricity leads to food spoilage, resulting in a significant economic loss for entrepreneurs who are already facing a deep economic crisis on the island.
What consequences do blackouts have on the daily lives of Cuban families?
Long blackouts impact the daily lives of Cuban families by preventing the use of essential appliances, such as fans and refrigerators, which leads to food spoilage and makes it difficult to rest, especially in extreme heat conditions. Furthermore, long blackouts cause emotional and psychological strain, affecting the mental health and overall well-being of the population.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement solutions such as the construction of solar parks, but these measures have been insufficient to address the energy crisis. The lack of investment in energy infrastructure and the ongoing deterioration of power plants have left the electrical system on the brink of collapse, with no clear prospects for a short-term solution.
What is the Cuban regime's response to the protests over the blackouts?
The response of the Cuban regime to the protests has been limited and repressive. The authorities do not provide concrete solutions or detailed explanations about the causes of the blackouts. In some cases, expressions of discontent have been criminalized, and the government has chosen silence or evasive answers, which has increased popular discontent.
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