For over two decades, Guillermo Durán has been crafting handmade cages to make a living in Cuba. Today, however, his greatest challenge is not securing clients or materials, but finding a few hours of electricity to be able to work.
"Since the current comes from seven to eight in the evening, I can't work because I can't see and I have to take care of my hands," shares user Carlos Batista in a video posted on social media.
Like thousands of Cubans, Guillermo has had to reorganize his routine to adapt to the prolonged blackouts affecting the country. When electricity comes in the morning, he makes the most of every minute to get ahead with his work.
"Now they schedule me for two or three hours in the morning; I make the most of those two or three hours," he explains.
Her story reflects the daily impact of the energy crisis in Cuba, where in many regions, power outages exceed 20 hours a day due to the generation deficit faced by the National Electric System.
The manufacturing of cages began as a hobby. While working at another job, I spent my free time perfecting the craft.
"In my leisure time, which I had during breaks, I dedicated myself to the cages, while working for my job," he recalls.
Everything changed when he had to retire due to health issues. Since then, the artisanal creation of cages became his main source of income.
The shortage of materials has not stopped him either. Faced with the impossibility of obtaining nails of the right thickness, he decided to make them himself.
Extract the steel wires from the inside of bicycle tires, remove the rubber, cut them into small pieces, and shape them using a motor with a grinding stone.
"I'll make the finishing touch myself, because there isn't a finishing touch of that thickness here," he explains with the ease of someone who has learned to navigate every obstacle in order to survive.
His case also illustrates the reality faced by many Cuban retirees. Low pensions force thousands of older people to continue working to supplement their income. Following the increase approved in September 2025, the minimum pension was set at 4,000 Cuban pesos, an amount that is equivalent to less than nine dollars a month at the informal exchange rate.
Although he acknowledges that the years take a toll and that his legs no longer respond as they once did, Guillermo insists that stopping work is not an option.
"I can't stay in an armchair or in bed, because first of all, it will make me work harder, and second, it will shorten my life. And I feel good that way," she states.
Her journey unfolds between the construction of small cages and the desire to maintain her health to move forward.
He also dedicates a few words to the younger generation, encouraging them to learn a trade as a tool to tackle the challenges of life.
"Studying and having a trade is what opens the path in life," he advises.
Despite the fatigue and physical limitations, the determination to push forward remains intact.
"I feel more and more masculine every day; I feel very weak in my legs. And I’ll tell you that I'm gradually pushing through," he concludes while waiting for the electricity to return so he can continue making the cages that support his life.
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