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Official media asserted that Cuba "made progress in digital transformation in 2025," but the reaction from citizens on social media was immediate and strong. Amid power outages, paralyzed banks, and businesses that do not accept transfers, dozens of Cubans responded with irony and frustration to the institutional narrative.
The article published by TV Yumurí, which references the newspaper Granma, stated that the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) maintained “a significant place on the national agenda” in 2025 and highlighted milestones such as the Soberanía platform, the consolidation of Transfermóvil and EnZona, the integration into the AI Alliance Network, and the presentation of artificial intelligence models like “Cecilia” and “Alic.IA”.
According to the text, "digital transformation in Cuba is an ongoing process, characterized by the will to leverage ICT as a space to promote development."
However, on the actual Facebook post of TV Yumurí, the comments contradicted the official enthusiasm. “Oh my God, what progress is Cuba making? If every day there is more backwardness and misery,” wrote one user. Another summed up the general sentiment with a phrase that ultimately set the tone for the debate: “Like a crab.”
Criticism focused on the power outages and lack of connectivity. "Uffff, just imagine if we make progress; in the municipality of Unión de Reyes, when the power goes out, they are completely cut off. That’s where our 'technological progress' ends," noted a commentator. Another questioned, "Seriously, how can there be progress with so many outages where people are left without connection and communication?"
In Matanzas, the province where the outlet that published the article is located, several users reported specific issues: "Here in Versalles Matanzas, power outages are relentless, and as soon as the electricity goes out, the landline falls, which means no nauta hogar, not to mention the TRD sales point that has to sell by vouchers." Another user stated, "Not a single café in Versalles Matanzas accepts payment by transfer."
The payment platforms, presented as a symbol of modernization, also faced scrutiny. “Just look at how far we've come: not even the establishments that still belong to the government accept transfers, except for a few that only do so through EnZona. A choice that most of us don't even have set up,” commented one user. Another added: “Gentlemen, don’t spread more lies; if in 2026 it’s still not possible to pay by transfer in stores because the clerks themselves say there’s no communication, let alone QR codes.”
Skepticism was prevalent. "I have to look up the dictionary, either I'm going crazy or the word 'advance' has changed its meaning and I didn't realize...," wrote one internet user. "Really? It seems like a very bad taste joke," noted another. Several people directly asked: "Is this a meme?" and "But is this a meme? No?"
Reactions are occurring in a context marked by real difficulties in e-commerce and the banking system. In various regions of the country, there have been reports of endless lines outside bank branches due to blackouts during working hours, with customers reporting "four days without service" at offices in Matanzas, amidst power interruptions that halt operations.
At the same time, complaints persist regarding businesses that do not accept transfers, high commissions, and banking limits that make it difficult to use digital money, in a scenario where cash shortages and connectivity issues exacerbate the situation. In provinces like Holguín and Matanzas, users have reported receiving their salaries in electronic accounts, but then face obstacles to pay this way at state and private establishments, while power outages and coverage gaps hinder transactions.
The tension between institutional discourse and everyday experience had already become evident weeks earlier when, during a visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel to Fajardo Hospital, there was talk of technological advances in healthcare. Thousands of Cubans responded with phrases like: “Digital transformation, but if there isn't even any Duralgin in a hospital, what are these people talking about?” and “Digital transformation and there’s never any connection.”
Now, the pattern repeats itself. "What? They are going crazy," wrote a user. Another was more straightforward: "What a bad joke!"
While the official discourse insists on technological advancements, a significant portion of the citizenry doubts that one can speak of digitalization in a country where blackouts disrupt connections, banks halt operations due to lack of electricity, and numerous businesses refuse electronic payments.
Amidst that contradiction, a phrase reflects the perception of many: “Like a crab.”
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