Arelis Rodríguez Silva, a prominent activist and provincial leader of the opposition movement Independent and Democratic Cuba (CID) in Artemisa, has brought attention to the dire crisis affecting the municipality of Alquízar and the nation as a whole through a video statement.
“We are experiencing a chaotic situation,” she declared, highlighting the closure of schools, food shortages, and the collapse of essential services and healthcare.
Rodríguez Silva detailed how authorities had no choice but to send children home because schools could no longer operate normally. She noted that some children are now receiving informal lessons at the homes of mothers who are providing educational support.
Additionally, she reported the shutdown of food distribution points and the near-total scarcity of essential goods.
Her account of the healthcare situation was particularly alarming. The activist recounted visiting the local hospital for a migraine, only to find a lack of syringes and basic medications. “There is nothing,” she stated, emphasizing that this stark reality contradicts the official narrative that downplays the crisis's severity.
Rodríguez Silva is a well-known figure in Cuban activism. For years, she has been recognized as a leader of the CID in Artemisa, frequently speaking out against evictions, social vulnerabilities, and alleged abuses by local authorities.
Independent media have previously documented her community work, which includes providing free transportation to medical facilities for those in need and supporting mothers at risk of losing their homes. She has also faced harassment and brief detentions due to her activism.
Her latest denunciation comes amidst a severe energy crisis that has left Cuba experiencing prolonged blackouts and a chronic shortage of electricity.
The deterioration of the thermoelectric system, coupled with a lack of maintenance and fuel shortages, has crippled key sectors of the economy and worsened daily life for millions of Cubans.
In parallel, the administration of former President Donald Trump intensified sanctions related to energy supplies to the island.
In late January 2026, Washington announced new measures targeting countries, shipping lines, and companies exporting oil or derivatives to Cuba, aiming to cut off funding sources for the Cuban state apparatus.
Following the collapse of Nicolás Maduro's regime and the halt of Venezuelan oil shipments, Cuba's oil flow drastically declined, exacerbating the already fragile national electricity generation.
Experts and international organizations have warned that these restrictions, combined with the structural decay of Cuba's thermoelectric system, are directly impacting electricity availability, transportation, and the operation of hospitals and essential services.
Rodríguez Silva's testimony adds to other citizen reports describing a nation mired in blackouts, soaring prices—such as a bag of charcoal at 2,500 pesos and oil nearing 2,000—and an increasing sense of neglect.
“Yes, there is hunger; yes, there is misery,” she concluded, holding the Cuban regime responsible for over six decades of accumulated crises.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Social Crisis
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to the deterioration of the thermoelectric system, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages exacerbated by international sanctions.
How have international sanctions affected Cuba's energy supply?
International sanctions, particularly those intensified by the Trump administration, have targeted countries and companies exporting oil to Cuba, significantly reducing the island's energy supply.
What impact has the energy crisis had on Cuban society?
The energy crisis has led to prolonged blackouts, disruptions in essential services, and increased hardships in daily life for Cubans, including soaring prices and food shortages.