A young Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @heydi_garcia18 (Heydita), stirred controversy over the weekend with a 16-second video that quickly went viral, garnering both admiration and criticism. In the clip, she proudly lists all her possessions while living in Cuba, including two cars, a home, uninterrupted electricity, gasoline, and water.
The video amassed an impressive 1.8 million views, over 50,600 likes, 6,333 comments, and 2,742 shares within just two days.
The brief yet bold transcript states: "I live in Cuba and these are my two cars. I live in Cuba and this is my house. I live in Cuba and I have electricity. I live in Cuba and I have gasoline. I live in Cuba and I have water."
Cuba's Energy and Resource Crisis
This polarizing reaction arises from the severe energy crisis currently plaguing the island. Cuba is experiencing its worst power shortages in recent history, with blackouts lasting up to 20 to 24 hours a day in several provinces.
In mid-May, Cuba's national electric company, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), recorded an unprecedented electricity deficit of 2,174 MW, with only 1,133 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW.
On May 25, Havana alone suffered a blackout lasting 23 hours and 11 minutes, according to UNE reports. By mid-June, the projected shortfall remained at 1,720 MW.
Fuel Shortages and Water Access
The fuel shortage is equally dire. In May, Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted that Cuba had "absolutely no fuel, no diesel, only accompanying gas." Between December 2025 and April 2026, the country received just one oil shipment, despite needing eight per month.
The United Nations warned in February 2026 that over 80% of Cuba's water pumping equipment relies on electricity, severely limiting access to drinking water across the island.
Divided Reactions on Social Media
In this context, Heydita's public claims of having electricity, gasoline, and water—along with two cars and a home—sparked immediate and divided reactions.
For many, the video is seen as a provocation or a display of privilege disconnected from the Cuban people's struggles. For others, it is merely the story of someone who has managed to thrive amidst the crisis.
This phenomenon is not new. In January 2026, the TikToker @soy_jesspilar faced similar backlash after posting a video from a Havana supermarket showcasing "premium products," accused of depicting an unrealistic image of Cuba. Since late 2025, videos of luxury cars and scarce goods have sparked ongoing debates about the visible inequality on social media.
The disparity is real: a minority with access to foreign remittances, private businesses dealing in foreign currency, or state connections can acquire goods that are out of reach for most Cubans. By highlighting the very basic services that most Cubans lack—electricity, gasoline, and water—Heydita's video touched a sensitive nerve.
Meanwhile, other Cubans on the island grapple with frequent blackouts, and the director of Cuban Television summed up the dire situation in May with a widely circulated phrase: "We are dying alive."
Understanding Cuba's Resource Challenges
What is causing the current energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a significant electricity deficit, with demand far exceeding available supply. This has resulted in prolonged blackouts and increased strain on the country's power infrastructure.
How is the fuel shortage impacting daily life in Cuba?
The fuel shortage in Cuba has severely impacted transportation and the operation of essential services. With limited fuel supplies, the country struggles to maintain consistent access to electricity and water, affecting everyday life for many Cubans.
Why is Heydita's video considered controversial?
Heydita's video is controversial because it highlights her access to goods and services that are unavailable to the majority of Cubans. In a time of widespread shortages, her display of affluence is seen by some as insensitive or disconnected from the reality faced by most people on the island.