A Cuban in Mexico has gone viral on TikTok after posting a video in which he explains why he doesn't want to return to Cuba, despite not having any money. The content was shared on his account @ino_la_puya3 on TikTok, where the young man addresses those who question his decision to stay outside the Island.
"For all the friends who tell me: 'Ino, go to Cuba, what are you doing in Mexico if you don't have money?'"
In his message, he asserts that his economic situation in Cuba was not different and contrasts it with his current experience: “Because in Cuba I had no money either and was poor; here in Mexico, we have no money, but we are not poor. We have freedom, we have clothes, we have food, which is the most important thing for a human being to live, we have electricity.”
The young man also describes the reality that, according to his testimony, is experienced on the Island: “In Cuba, there is no electricity, there is no power, there is no food; you all know how the situation is in Cuba,” he states, before making his personal decision clear: “That’s why, dear friends of mine, I Ino, Iovani Alejandro Vizcaíno Valdés, choose to stay in Mexico living as I am, happy and content.”
Although he acknowledges that he has not yet achieved the economic stability he desires, he insists on his current priorities: “One day I will have that money I long for, one day I will have it, but right now I don't have it; however, I have freedom, and that is the most important thing: freedom.”
The video has generated a wide wave of reactions, mostly supportive, welcoming, and recognizing its stance. Several users highlighted the courage of seeking a better life outside one's country of origin, as reflected in the comment: “We all have the right to seek a better life. I’m in the USA, I’m Mexican, you’re Cuban, and you live in Mexico; welcome to my country.”
Others emphasized the importance of personal effort and perseverance: "Don't pay attention, there will always be many who bark, but if you fight honestly day by day, the sun shines for everyone. Thank you for speaking well of my beloved Mexico. I appreciate those who are not from Mexico and see an opportunity—this makes me very happy," while some messages directly encourage overcoming challenges: "You keep going and push forward; may God open your paths," and "You give it your all—remember that the impossible just requires a little more effort."
There are also plenty of welcome and supportive messages from Mexico, such as "welcome to Mexico then, if you set your mind to it, you can achieve many things here in Mexico, it's just a matter of goals," "Here you have a Mexican friend," or "you will always be welcome in this beautiful country."
Other comments highlight values such as freedom and gratitude, in tune with the video's message: “the wealth you have is your freedom and food, welcome” and “that's what freedom is called, I am Venezuelan, long live the land of Javier Solis and Pedro Infante, freedom, brother.”
Additionally, some users shared personal experiences or positive views about their host country: “I live happily in Mexico and even if they open the border, I wouldn’t cross it; Mexico is wonderful and beautiful, and its people are super nice. Moreover, I am happily married to a Mexican. Long live Mexico!” and “It's great that you're feeling better here in our country. We may not be rich, but thanks to God Almighty, we have a roof over our heads and some tacos, and we have peace at the end of the day thanks to God.”
Beyond her personal case, the video summarizes a widespread perception among Cuban émigrés: that outside the Island, even with economic difficulties, there are living conditions that remain out of reach for most in Cuba.
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