Renowned Cuban singer Liuba María Hevia has decided to temporarily withdraw from social media until electricity is restored in Cuba, as the island grapples with a severe energy crisis. In a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by an aerial image of Cuba shrouded in darkness, she stated, "I will not return to social media until at least the lights are back on in my country. Much of what I share is primarily for the Cuban people, who always have my heart."
Energy Crisis and Social Media Response
Her message emerged shortly after Cuba's energy debacle began, with a massive blackout hitting the nation on October 18. The crisis was triggered by a complete shutdown of the National Electric System (SEN), further exacerbated by the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant going offline. In several areas, power has been out for over 60 hours, leading to protests and banging of pots and pans in cities like Havana, as residents face food spoilage and uncertainty over future supplies.
Support from Fans and Fellow Artists
Liuba’s announcement has sparked numerous supportive and grateful responses from her followers: "Thank you endlessly for always being so Cuban, God bless you"; "You're amazing! I've always admired you, and now even more. Thank you for not staying silent and for your music"; "My heart is with every Cuban on the island, with my family whom I haven't been able to contact since this morning"; and "Never, in almost 30 years outside of Cuba, have I felt so sad, so outraged, so disheartened... It hurts so much, Cuba," shared some.
Artists Unite in Solidarity
Liuba María Hevia, who divides her time between Cuba and Spain, remains steadfast in her commitment to her people, and this latest stance is no exception. In solidarity with the affected Cubans, other artists like Willy Chirino, La Diosa, Camila Arteche, and Claudia Valdés have also voiced their support on social media.
Government Priorities Under Scrutiny
The extensive blackout, compounded by the impact of Hurricane Oscar—which recently weakened to a tropical storm—continues to severely impact the nation. Meanwhile, the government's response has faced criticism for prioritizing events like the "Destinos Gaviota 2024" Tourism Fair in Holguín. In stark contrast, millions of Cubans are still awaiting effective solutions that will restore power and a sense of 'normalcy' to their lives.