Frank el Makina, a Cuban YouTuber residing in Uruguay for nearly three years, shared a video on TikTok (@frankelmakina) in which he lists the concerns he believes he left behind when emigrating from the island. His testimony swiftly generated hundreds of comments and reactions on the social network.
"Concerns that I no longer have in Uruguay, as you well know, and if you don’t know, you will now, because I am a Cuban emigrant in Uruguay, and I have been living in this magnificent country for almost three years," he began to say.
The creator recounted that in Cuba, he had to stay alert to basic issues such as electricity and water. "Thinking about when the electricity will go out, when the water will come in so I can collect water and have water in my house to do everything you need to do with it," he pointed out. He also mentioned the lack of gas and public transportation: "When will the gas arrive at the place where you buy gas so that you can go buy it, when will the bus come so you can get to work."
In his testimony, he added the difficulties in accessing food products and medications: "When will the specific product you need for your nutrition arrive at the store (...) if I get sick, will there be medicines at the pharmacy? If I have to go to a hospital, will there be a doctor to assist me? Will there be any injections available if I need one? Will they at least have syringes, alcohol, needles, cotton?"
"Honestly, I could be here telling you about 300 worries I had on the island, but once I arrived here in Uruguay, all those worries disappeared because, thank God, this country has absolutely everything," Frank stated. He added, "Even if they call me a suck-up, say I exaggerate, that reality isn't quite like that, I, well, like to appreciate all the things I have in this country."
The video received dozens of comments from Uruguayans who thanked the creator for his words and reflected on the reality of their own country. "Here, there is no dictatorship like in Cuba," wrote one user. Another commented: "You have to lack everything in order to appreciate everything when you finally have it."
A netizen noted: "How many blessings we have in our country, yet people don't appreciate it. All the people who have come from Cuba make us see, open our eyes, and value our little country." Another Cuban also recalled: "I lived almost 4 years in Uruguay, and I can say that I fell in love with the country and its people. I am Cuban too, now living in the United States, but I hold Uruguay in my heart."
There were also critical reactions. One user noted, "I am worried; my electricity bill is 12,000 pesos, and if I don't pay it, they will cut it off." Another asked for caution: "If you want to speak well of Uruguay, that's fine, but don't speak ill of Cuba."
Among the welcome messages, phrases such as: "Welcome to freedom," "I'm glad you're in Uruguay, we need more people like you," and "It's great to hear you so happy" stood out.
Other stories of Cubans in Uruguay
Frank's testimony adds to other accounts from migrants that have recently touched hearts on social media. A Cuban woman who worked as a nurse on the island shared that she left behind her scrubs to pursue a career in manicure in Montevideo and stated: "It's never too late to fulfill dreams."
Frank himself had shared weeks earlier the excitement of being able to buy a pair of Vans sneakers, something he described as "a teenage dream come true" that he was never able to achieve in Cuba.
Another Cuban creator, identified as Lisset Catalina, explained that she and her family chose Uruguay after researching safety, education, and free healthcare. "Uruguay is the country," she stated in a video that went viral, where she celebrated the decision that changed their lives.
There are also testimonies from asylum seekers, such as that of a young Cuban woman who recounted her work experience in Montevideo. While she acknowledged that the beginnings are not always easy, she expressed her gratitude because “the point was to work while I found the job where I felt most comfortable”.
Stories like these reflect the expectations and challenges of Cuban migration to Uruguay, where many claim to have found opportunities and stability that they say were impossible for them on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration to Uruguay
What are the main concerns that Cubans leave behind when emigrating to Uruguay?
Cuban emigrants to Uruguay, like Frank el Makina, leave behind daily concerns related to power outages, lack of water, gas, and public transportation. In Uruguay, they find stability in access to basic services such as electricity, water, and transportation, which allows them to lead a more comfortable and predictable life. Additionally, they can access food products and medications without the restrictions they face in Cuba.
How do Cubans describe their experience with the healthcare system in Uruguay?
Cubans who have emigrated to Uruguay, such as Frank el Makina, describe the Uruguayan healthcare system as significantly better compared to the Cuban one. In Uruguay, they find hospitals to be more organized, clean, and efficient, although they acknowledge that the system could be improved in terms of waiting times and capacity. This experience contrasts with the precarious conditions and lack of resources in Cuban hospitals.
What economic opportunities do Cubans find in Uruguay?
In Uruguay, Cubans like Frank el Makina find opportunities to improve their economic situation through work and entrepreneurship. The access to jobs, the possibility to save, and the ability to obtain loans are some of the advantages highlighted by migrants. These elements allow them to achieve personal goals that were impossible in Cuba, such as buying desired items or sending remittances to their families.
How does Cuban migration to Uruguay affect perceptions of quality of life?
The Cuban migration to Uruguay has generated various perceptions regarding quality of life. For many Cubans, Uruguay represents a significant improvement in quality of life due to the stability of basic services, job opportunities, and personal freedoms. However, they also face challenges such as the high cost of living and cultural integration. These contrasts are reflected in testimonies that highlight both the achievements made and the difficulties encountered.
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