Cuban broadcaster and presenter Laritza Camacho took to Facebook this Sunday to issue a biting critique aimed at the energy reports from the Cuban Electric Union (UNE). She questioned whether the Cuban government genuinely considers its citizens or merely keeps them informed about insurmountable issues.
The daily reports from the UNE typically begin with the phrase "Considering that..." and proceed to list the factors contributing to power outages: deficits, breakdowns, delays, absences, and other difficulties.
Camacho posed a pivotal question in her post: "The informative note tells you what they 'consider,' but do they actually consider us?"
She further mocked the likely response from the regime: "Yes, they say, we consider you so much that we keep you informed."
To underscore her skepticism, Camacho drew upon philosophical and scientific references: "That last bit of information makes me smile wryly. I think of Socrates and his famous line 'I know that I know nothing,' Newton and his humble brilliance about knowledge... and suddenly, as if hit by an apple, I recall the law of gravity."
The post included a cartoon of Isaac Newton being struck by an apple, a nod to his discovery of the law of gravity, and concluded with a mock-official sign-off, "P.S./ We'll keep you informed."
Camacho's post resonated with humor, irony, and a pointed critique of the official discourse. Many users praised her ability to dissect the typical language of the energy reports, filled with phrases like "considering that..." and "updates forthcoming." Comments such as "reality goes one way, words another" and "they inform well, but solutions never come" encapsulated this shared sentiment.
The post also struck a chord with the public's fatigue over repeated explanations without tangible results. One user commented, "I just want them to solve at least one problem, don't even tell me about it," while another added, "don't inform me anything else, let me see the reality myself." Several comments highlighted the disconnect between institutional discourse and daily life: "what you see on the streets is the result of how we're 'considered.'"
The humorous reference to the "law of gravity" was widely echoed by followers, who repurposed it critically. "Gravity isn't just Earth's force, it's the gravity of our living conditions," noted one user, while others quipped, "the ripe fruit falls on its own" or "gravity will take them to the Earth's core." Such responses show how sarcasm serves as an outlet for frustration in the face of a prolonged situation.
Overall, the tone is not one of direct confrontation but rather of weary, intelligent mockery, where humor becomes a tool for social critique. Amid accolades for Camacho's creativity—"you have a genius way of telling the truth"—and jabs at the official narrative, comments reflect a widespread perception: the populace is looking for concrete solutions to a crisis that has become routine in daily Cuban life.
The critique comes during a surge in power outages across Cuba: this Sunday, the UNE reported availability of just 1,735 MW against a demand of 3,100 MW, with a projected deficit of 1,365 MW during peak hours.
On Saturday, electricity service was disrupted for 17 hours and 45 minutes, with a maximum impact of 1,461 MW.
On April 16, 62% of the national territory was left without power simultaneously, cutting off more than 200,000 Cubans from potable water, as provinces like Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba reported outages lasting up to 24 hours daily.
This isn't the first time Camacho has taken aim at the regime with her ironic takes on the energy crisis and official management. On April 17, she criticized the squandering of resources during the 65th-anniversary celebration of the socialist character of the Revolution in El Vedado.
In February, following a televised appearance by Díaz-Canel, Camacho summed up her assessment with a sharp remark: "Let's squeeze them more. The lemon is finished!"
In January, in response to official attempts to justify the blackouts, Camacho questioned the government's lack of dialogue with its own people: "Trump says he's in talks with Cuba. Díaz-Canel says there's no conversation with the United States. But when do they talk to the people?"
Between December 2025 and April 2026, Cuba received only one shipment of Russian fuel, when the nation requires eight tankers a month to sustain its electrical system, marking the most severe energy crisis the island has faced in decades.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What prompted Laritza Camacho's criticism of the UNE reports?
Laritza Camacho criticized the UNE reports for their repetitive nature and lack of real solutions, questioning whether the Cuban government truly considers its citizens' needs.
How has the public responded to Camacho's Facebook post?
The public responded with humor, irony, and a critical stance toward the official discourse, praising Camacho's ability to highlight the disconnect between government communication and everyday reality.
What challenges is Cuba facing with its current energy situation?
Cuba is experiencing severe power outages due to a significant gap between electricity demand and supply, with a projected deficit and prolonged blackouts affecting major parts of the country.