"A Shining City in Darkness: Cuba's Growing Energy Crisis"
Amidst a backdrop of strained relations with the US, Cubans are struggling to cope with an extended power outage and the looming specter of food shortages, leaving residents like Kenia Montoya, a 50-year-old mother of two, wondering how they will survive.
Santa Cruz del Norte, a coastal town in eastern Cuba, is grappling with its own unique challenges. The town's thermoelectric plant has been restored to partial capacity, but the lack of electricity and fuel has forced residents like Montoya to resort to coal and firewood for cooking and heating. The strain on these resources is only exacerbating the crisis, leaving families like Montoya's struggling to make ends meet.
As tensions between Cuba and the US escalate, concerns about energy supplies are growing. US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with many fearing that it will disrupt crucial shipments from Russia, which has pledged to maintain its support for Cuba.
"We're living in a situation where we don't know what tomorrow will bring," said Gladys Delgado, a 67-year-old resident of Santa Cruz del Norte. "We're trying to make the best of it, but it's hard when you don't have access to basic necessities like electricity and food."
The economic crisis is taking its toll on Cubans, with soaring prices and shortages of basic goods becoming increasingly common. Even those who are fortunate enough to afford some essential items are struggling to cope.
"It's a failed nation now," Trump said this week, in a stark assessment of Cuba's economic situation. "They're not getting any money from Venezuela, and they're not getting any money from anywhere."
As the crisis deepens, many residents are bracing themselves for the worst. Iván Amores, a 55-year-old resident of Santa Cruz del Norte, recalled the days when electricity was a constant presence in his life.
"This used to be wonderful," he said. "Now, it's truly torture."
The US has pledged to send humanitarian aid, including food, but many are skeptical about the effectiveness of this support.
"We need real help, not just words and promises," Montoya said. "We're tired of living in darkness and uncertainty."
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Cubans like Montoya, Delgado, Amores, and Viel can only wonder what the future holds for their country and their families.
"What can I afford? Nothing," Viel said, reflecting on her own struggles. "Not even a package of chicken."
In a town where life is already precarious, the energy crisis has brought an air of desperation to Santa Cruz del Norte. As the months drag on, Cubans are forced to confront the harsh realities of their economic situation.
"We can't stop it," said Olga Lilia Laurenti, 61. "Whatever's meant to be, let it be. We need laughter and joy, not suffering."
Amidst a backdrop of strained relations with the US, Cubans are struggling to cope with an extended power outage and the looming specter of food shortages, leaving residents like Kenia Montoya, a 50-year-old mother of two, wondering how they will survive.
Santa Cruz del Norte, a coastal town in eastern Cuba, is grappling with its own unique challenges. The town's thermoelectric plant has been restored to partial capacity, but the lack of electricity and fuel has forced residents like Montoya to resort to coal and firewood for cooking and heating. The strain on these resources is only exacerbating the crisis, leaving families like Montoya's struggling to make ends meet.
As tensions between Cuba and the US escalate, concerns about energy supplies are growing. US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with many fearing that it will disrupt crucial shipments from Russia, which has pledged to maintain its support for Cuba.
"We're living in a situation where we don't know what tomorrow will bring," said Gladys Delgado, a 67-year-old resident of Santa Cruz del Norte. "We're trying to make the best of it, but it's hard when you don't have access to basic necessities like electricity and food."
The economic crisis is taking its toll on Cubans, with soaring prices and shortages of basic goods becoming increasingly common. Even those who are fortunate enough to afford some essential items are struggling to cope.
"It's a failed nation now," Trump said this week, in a stark assessment of Cuba's economic situation. "They're not getting any money from Venezuela, and they're not getting any money from anywhere."
As the crisis deepens, many residents are bracing themselves for the worst. Iván Amores, a 55-year-old resident of Santa Cruz del Norte, recalled the days when electricity was a constant presence in his life.
"This used to be wonderful," he said. "Now, it's truly torture."
The US has pledged to send humanitarian aid, including food, but many are skeptical about the effectiveness of this support.
"We need real help, not just words and promises," Montoya said. "We're tired of living in darkness and uncertainty."
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Cubans like Montoya, Delgado, Amores, and Viel can only wonder what the future holds for their country and their families.
"What can I afford? Nothing," Viel said, reflecting on her own struggles. "Not even a package of chicken."
In a town where life is already precarious, the energy crisis has brought an air of desperation to Santa Cruz del Norte. As the months drag on, Cubans are forced to confront the harsh realities of their economic situation.
"We can't stop it," said Olga Lilia Laurenti, 61. "Whatever's meant to be, let it be. We need laughter and joy, not suffering."
Cuba needs help now 
. How can they afford food when power's out? Trump's words might be harsh but it's clear Cubas struggling big time 
. I feel bad for Gladys & Iván, living without electricity & basic necessities... 
. It's not just about money; it's about dignity too. When will the support from Russia or US help come through? Cuba needs real aid ASAP 
. This crisis is draining hope & making life unbearable. Cuba deserves better 
Cuba is really struggling right now! It's like, they're living in the dark literally with power outages and shortages of food. I feel bad for Kenia Montoya and her family, having to resort to coal and firewood for cooking and heating. It's not just the lack of electricity that's a problem, it's also the economy. I'm worried about Gladys Delgado and Iván Amores, who are saying they can't even afford basic necessities anymore...
... I mean, who thought it was a good idea to take away their only reliable source of electricity? It's like they're intentionally trying to drive the country into poverty. And now we have Trump threatening to disrupt shipments from Russia? That's just great. This is what happens when politics gets in the way of people's lives 
... I feel so bad for Kenia Montoya and her family having to resort to coal and firewood for cooking and heating 
. And can you imagine not being able to afford even a package of chicken? It's just heartbreaking. Cuba needs some real help, not just empty promises 
.
. And with Russia's support being a major lifeline right now, it's unclear what would happen if that were to dry up 
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. It sounds like he's just trying to stir up more trouble and make Cuba look bad in front of the world 
. And as for humanitarian aid from the US, it feels like a Band-Aid solution at best - we need concrete investment and support that can help Cuba get back on its feet 
. Cuba needs to find a way to balance its economic struggles with the real needs of its people, rather than getting bogged down in politics 
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i mean, the energy crisis is like, totally affecting everyone's daily life and its not just about having no electricity or hot water... its about how you're going to put food on the table. people are literally cooking with coal and firewood, can u imagine? it's like living in a different era. and dont even get me started on the tariffs from the US 
that thing is gonna push cuba even further into poverty. its heartbreaking to see how cubans are struggling and cant even afford basic necessities like chicken 
. we should really be sending some actual aid, not just words of encouragement 
US tariffs r just addin 2 the chaos, i feel 4 these ppl 
. Cubans deserve real support, not just empty promises or aid packages that might not even reach them. They're living in a state of uncertainty and desperation, with no idea what tomorrow will bring 
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I'm all about being prepared for emergencies, but this is crazy! 
We need to send some real help, not just empty promises or aid packages 
Cuba needs support from the international community too...can't we all just come together to help each other out? 
. Cubans are already struggling to get by, food and electricity shortages are killing them, no way to pay bills or afford basics 
. Trump might think Cuba is a failed nation but honestly I think he's just showing his ignorance about the situation, what does he know? This is not a simple fix, it's like you gotta dig deep into your pockets (or in some cases like Montoya just don't have nothin' 
).
️ what can be done to help them? sending aid sounds good but it needs to be substantial 
... I mean, shouldn't they be looking for more sustainable solutions or something? 
... I don't know, maybe I'm just not seeing the bigger picture or something 
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...
Like how's that even sustainable? The US doesn't need to make things worse by imposing tariffs, just give Cuba some real help not empty promises 
This energy crisis in Cuba is just so sad I mean its like they're living in the dark literally and its affecting their daily lives so much people are struggling to afford food and basic necessities its not just about the economy its also about the humans affected by this situation 
like, what a nightmare 
It's like they're living in a war zone over there.