A chartered vessel docked this Friday at the port of Mariel with a container carrying 45 solar panel kits of 3 kilowatts each, donated by the Argentine Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (MASC) following a fundraising campaign that mobilized over a hundred organizations in Argentina.
According to the state-run media Cubadebate, the equipment was acquired through the financial campaign "We Are with Cuba," launched on February 11, 2026, with the participation of political, union, social, and cultural organizations from the South American country.
The initiative included a march through downtown Buenos Aires, concluding at the iconic Obelisco, an event at the Argentine Federation of Boxing, and fundraising activities in various provinces. The campaign raised over 95 million Argentine pesos, equivalent to about 66,500 dollars.
The container will remain at the port of Mariel until customs procedures are completed, after which it will be delivered to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, an agency that will determine its distribution.
The promoters indicated that the 45 kits could benefit an equal number of families, medical clinics, or other social institutions.
They also acknowledged the modest nature of the contribution in light of the magnitude of the crisis: "We know it's just a drop in the bucket, but many drops can lead to a downpour," they stated, adding: "Cuba does not deserve so much suffering."
The reaction of Cubans to the news was ambivalent. While some appreciated the gesture and noted its usefulness for hospitals without electricity, others expressed doubts about the actual destination of the equipment.
"The first ones to arrive went straight to the bosses. So this is for the missing bosses," wrote a user.
Another person requested that institutions like banks be prioritized: "Please prioritize the banks to reduce the long lines of workers, retirees, and the general public."
A third voice summarized the widespread skepticism: "Thank you very much, but the question is: where will this all end up? Will the people really benefit?"
The donation arrives at one of the most critical moments for the Cuban electrical system.
This Friday, the Electric Union projected a deficit of approximately 2,200 megawatts during peak hours, with an availability of only 1,000 megawatts against a demand of 3,200 megawatts.
In 2026 so far, Cuba has experienced four nationwide blackouts, with 74% of the island being disconnected simultaneously.
This donation adds to a series of international shipments that includes 18 photovoltaic systems sent by Spain for health centers in April, the 6.5 million dollars allocated by Japan for hospitals in May, and the panels sent by religious organizations in Tampa just last Thursday.
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