A Cuban resident in the United States has sparked debate on TikTok by asserting that Cubans were not always unhappy under the communist regime and that the country's situation worsened especially in recent decades. In her reflection, she also questioned the U.S. economic sanctions, arguing that they mainly harm the population rather than the rulers.
It is about Bárbara Ricardo, who shared her opinion in a video posted on her TikTok account (@barbararicardo995). From the outset, the Cuban warns that her words may provoke criticism and clarifies that she is not a communist, but that this does not prevent her from expressing what she thinks about the situation in her country.
"All the economic measures and sanctions that the United States has imposed on the Cuban government have only harmed the everyday Cuban," the woman asserts, convinced that those in power continue to enjoy privileges while the population faces increasing difficulties.
"The rulers are fat and flushed, they all continue to drive their cars, they never run out of gasoline, and they have all their houses equipped with solar panels already," he states. He also criticizes that many officials can travel abroad and that their children study or live outside of Cuba, while ordinary citizens have to cope with shortages and everyday problems.
During her reflection, Bárbara recalls what life in Cuba was like years ago and asserts that, although there were challenges, the situation is not comparable to what many families are currently experiencing. According to her experience, it was easier to access food and medical care back then, and emigration was not as widespread a necessity as it is now. "In Cuba, there wasn't the repression that exists now either. People didn't complain in Cuba because they were happy and content," she added.
"Cubans have been unhappy for a few years now," he asserts, referring to the deterioration of living conditions on the island.
The woman also shares part of her personal story. She recounts that for a long time, she never considered leaving Cuba, but her perspective changed after the Special Period. Ultimately, she managed to settle in the United States during Joe Biden's administration, something she is especially grateful for because it allowed her to start a new life with her daughter.
"If I have to thank President Biden for anything, it is that I live in this country and my daughter does too," she says.
Another issue addressed is the situation of Cubans who have family members abroad. Bárbara questions why, according to reports, some individuals are not considered vulnerable enough to receive certain basic goods simply because they have children or relatives outside the island, even if those relatives are unable to provide financial support.
"In Cuba, you can be poor and have a child living in another country who doesn’t send you anything because they can’t," she explains, using as an example those living in South American countries who also lack sufficient resources to send remittances.
His statements add to the debate about U.S. sanctions against Cuba. Last Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against a maritime network linked to the transportation of oil to the island.
The topic has sparked mixed opinions among Cubans. While some believe that sanctions are necessary to pressure the regime, others question their impact on the population. In October, several Cubans responded to Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, accusing the Government itself of imposing an "internal blockade" that worsens the difficulties faced by citizens.
It is not the first time that Bárbara Ricardo has drawn attention with her opinions about Cuba. A few months ago, another one of her videos discussing the responsibility of the Cuban government and the role of remittances sent from abroad also sparked numerous reactions on social media.
On this occasion, Bárbara concludes her reflection by insisting that the unhappiness of Cubans has not been a constant since 1959, but rather, according to her experience, it has worsened in recent decades: "So, gentlemen, people in Cuba were not unhappy before. Don't come at me with that story."
Filed under: