A sign with the phrases "Down with the Government" and "No More Power Outages" surfaced on a central street in Santiago de Cuba, highlighting the ongoing issue of frequent electrical cuts affecting the residents.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared a photo of the sign on social media, commenting on his Facebook account, "The people of Santiago are standing up!" This comment reflects the growing frustration among residents in the eastern city.
The sign remained visible for several hours before being removed by authorities. One social media user noted that the message was painted on Calle 10 in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, a very central area.
Public Outcry and Social Media Reactions
"How long will this abuse of the people of Santiago continue?" asked a Facebook user. They added, "We are ready for anything, down with this!"
These messages convey the mounting frustration over the continuous power outages in the province, one of the hardest-hit areas in Cuba.
The incident has sparked significant discussion on social media, reflecting the increasing discontent among the population over Cuba's energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by the regime's poor economic and political choices.
Worsening Power Outages in September 2024
In September 2024, the power outages worsened due to a severe deficit in electricity generation across the country.
On September 19, the Santiago de Cuba Electric Company announced an increase in power cuts, though it denied rumors circulating on social media about a potential general blackout.
Despite scheduled power interruption times, some circuits experienced longer outages than anticipated, worsening the situation for Santiago residents.
On September 25, the Electric Union reported that power outages persisted in Santiago de Cuba and other provinces due to the malfunction of two units at the Renté thermoelectric plant and a shortage of fuel in mobile generator groups.
No Immediate Solution in Sight
The issue of power outages has no immediate resolution, and the people are tired of waiting for the regime to fulfill its promises.