The Cuban content creator known as @arguellespositivo recently took to TikTok to share a video just over two minutes long entitled "The Truth of the Matter," where he delivers a straightforward message to those living in Cuba about the realities behind remittances and the genuine effort involved in sending them.
The video begins bluntly: "Are you Cuban? Then listen to what I have to say. This might hurt some people, but the truth must be told to my people in Cuba."
He candidly acknowledges the harshness of life on the island: "I know there's no life, no opportunities, nothing—no food, no jobs, no water, no electricity, no way to get ahead."
However, the core of his message shifts direction, urging those in Cuba to appreciate family members abroad who, through sacrifice, send them 10, 15, or 20 dollars. "Be grateful to those individuals who are on this side, who are outside. Those individuals who, for better or worse, can send you 10, 15, or 20 bucks," he states in the video.
The creator highlights that life outside Cuba is not the idealized vision many hold from the island: "Here, there's water, electricity, food, and everything, but everything has a cost and requires effort, work, sacrifice, and money."
His appeal is clear: Cubans on the island should not be upset when a relative abroad is unable to send the expected amount. "Don't be upset when someone tells you, 'Today, I can't, today I can send you 20 but not 30, today I can send 50, but not 100,'" he emphasizes.
The statement that encapsulates his entire message is powerful: "Money doesn't grow on trees. Money costs, and it costs a lot, and not everyone can always lend a hand."
This type of testimony is part of an active debate on social media among the Cuban diaspora. A Cuban woman in the United States vented in March over constant demands from her family on the island, while a Cuban in Miami explained in January why he refused to send $200 to a friend.
@arguellespositivo himself has a history in this discourse: in October 2024, he released a video discussing the realities of the "American dream," asserting that abroad, "there are no friends or family, it's you against the world," and in November of that year, he reflected on how economic pressure can destroy relationships in the United States.
The crisis he describes is backed by numbers: the flow of remittances from the diaspora to Cuba exceeded $2 billion annually before recent restrictions, yet only 24% of the Cuban population received these funds, according to estimates from the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights.
"Life here is also tough and challenging," concludes @arguellespositivo. "It's not about crying poverty; it's about speaking a truth that no one else dares to tell you."
Understanding the Reality of Remittances to Cuba
Why is the message from @arguellespositivo significant?
The message is significant because it highlights the struggles faced by Cubans abroad in sending remittances and challenges the misconceptions held by those on the island about life outside Cuba.
What is the current state of remittances to Cuba?
Remittances to Cuba have historically exceeded $2 billion annually, but recent restrictions have affected these flows. Only about 24% of the Cuban population benefits from these remittances.
What challenges do Cubans face abroad?
Cubans living abroad encounter challenges such as the high cost of living, the need for hard work and sacrifice, and the pressure to support family members back in Cuba while managing their own financial responsibilities.