Recently returned from the island, several Cubans shared their experiences upon arriving at Miami International Airport. Journalist Javier Díaz collected their insights through interviews at the airport terminal. Among those who participated were a young man, a woman, and another man, each adding to a picture painted with descriptions of poverty, stress, and fear of the unknown that prevails in Cuba.
The young man, having visited both the Isle of Youth and Havana, depicted his observations as follows: "So much poverty, lots of stress among the people, everything seems bleak, and the streets are in dire condition."
Meanwhile, a woman spoke about the tense atmosphere amidst the strained relations between the United States and Cuba. "It's a distressing situation because the future is uncertain, unpredictable. Everyone is scared, most people are scared," she noted. In her community, there's a palpable worry about their children and potential violence: "They fear an invasion and are concerned about people's lives."
When discussing what the country needs, she was unequivocal: "There needs to be a change because living like this is unsustainable. This isn't quality of life; it's like surviving in hell."
During his visit, the young man found conversations with his family dominated by constant complaints: "Everyone was complaining about the situation, everything, all the time." Regarding power outages, he detailed, "In Havana, and also on the island, I experienced outages lasting four to three hours, but in Havana, it was somewhat longer."
Lack of fuel and its impact on transportation was highlighted by another man interviewed at the airport. He remarked on the reduced ferry services to the Isle of Youth: "There's not enough for planes, and the same goes for cars. It's unimaginable."
The same man described the general mood of the populace: "People are anxious; they have little food, no electricity, no water..."
When asked if he sensed a desire for change among the people, the young man confirmed, "Yes, they want change, they definitely want change." Concluding the conversation, he expressed his wish for the country's future: "Freedom, for them to be free, nothing else."
These accounts align with other recent stories from Cubans arriving in Miami, reporting a rapid decline in living conditions on the island. Recent reports highlight prolonged power outages, food and fuel shortages, and an increasing sense of uncertainty.
Insights on Cuba's Current Situation
Why are Cubans expressing frustration after visiting the island?
Cubans are frustrated due to extreme poverty, stress, and fear stemming from the uncertainty of life in Cuba. They describe a lack of basic necessities like electricity, food, and fuel.
What are the main concerns of those visiting Cuba?
Concerns include the potential for violence, the ongoing political tensions between the United States and Cuba, and the overall lack of quality of life.
What changes do Cubans believe are necessary?
Cubans believe a significant change is essential for improving quality of life, suggesting that freedom and a break from the current oppressive conditions are needed.