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The government of the special municipality Isla de la Juventud an urgent call on social media asking state companies, non-state actors, and the general public to contribute an electric motor or the necessary wire to wind it, in order to repair the ferry Perseverancia and restore maritime transport between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó.
The announcement openly acknowledges that the government does not have the spare parts or technical resources to resolve the breakdown on its own, and concludes with a phrase that summarizes the situation: "As always, from the effort of everyone, the necessary solutions can emerge."
The required motor is an industrial equipment from the brand HYOSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES, with a power of 3.7 kW, a voltage of 220 V, and a speed of 1,740 revolutions per minute, a standard component available on the international market for between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars.
The official statement describes the Perseverancia as "vital for easing the transport of passengers and freight, essential for ensuring the vitality of the local economy," highlighting the seriousness of taking it out of service due to a lack of a basic spare part.
The citizen reaction on social media was largely critical and ironic.
Orestes Daniel Guerra Aizpurua directly questioned the Ministry of Transport: "What is the function of MITRANS and the thousands of salaries paid to employees who are neither drivers nor mechanics? What do we need a ministry for that begs for handouts from the very people it abandons? Oh, right, MITRANS is only for Gaviota and the PNR; everything appears to be just fine there."
Oscar Rodriguez was more direct: "If it were for the MININT delegate's car, you all know how to find it."
Alejandro Castro claimed to have the wire of the required gauge but stated, "I wouldn't give it even if I were dead," and added: "A patch for the communist regime. They want to fix the engine at the expense of the people of Pinar. The executioner asking to repair the whip to continue living in poverty."
Grabiel Garcia recounted his personal situation: "Those of us who are stranded in Havana, who came prepared for four days, still have no hope of the day when one can leave."
Not all the comments were negative.
Citizen Silvino Avila offered to ensure the winding work for the motor "in a couple of days" if they can provide the wire, and René Modesto suggested calling on the members of the National Association of Innovators and Rationalizers to adapt another motor with the help of a lathe worker, welder, and electromechanical technician.
The Perseverancia began operations in August 2023 as a definitive solution to the island's transportation problem, but since then it has faced multiple interruptions: in March 2024 it was operational but lacked fuel; between October and December 2025 it underwent nearly three months of interim repairs, being replaced by the catamaran V2V Empress.
The complementary fleet, the catamarans Río Júcaro and Río Las Casas, has remained almost permanently out of service due to deterioration and lack of parts, leaving the Perseverancia as the only operational vessel on a route vital for supplying food, medicine, and essential goods to the island's residents.
The episode occurs at a time when MITRANS had already announced the reduction of service from two to one trip per week starting June 20, citing fuel shortages, which will further worsen the situation for the residents of Pine Island if the ferry is not repaired in time.
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