A heartfelt Facebook post by Cuban resident Violeta Velázquez Rodríguez has struck a chord with hundreds, both on and off the island, as it encapsulates the daily struggle for basic necessities that millions of Cubans endure. Her words reflect a harsh reality: merely surviving has become an uphill battle.
"I don't crave luxury. I just want to sleep for eight uninterrupted hours, drink cold water, cook without charcoal, and not spend my days worrying about how to meet the most basic needs," she expresses in her widely shared message.
Velázquez Rodríguez paints a vivid picture of a life marred by power outages exceeding 20 hours, medicine shortages, inadequate wages, and an ever-increasing cost of living.
The Escalating Economic Struggle
As the value of the dollar skyrockets, food prices have become increasingly prohibitive, while the Cuban peso continues to lose its worth. "No one is putting on the brakes," she laments, highlighting the growing misery.
Statistics underscore this grim reality. By the end of 2025, the average state salary in Cuba was 6,930 pesos per month. At the current informal exchange rate, this amounts to just over ten dollars, while the basic cost of living far exceeds most families' incomes.
Energy and Health Crises Deepen
The energy crisis compounds the issue. This Monday, the Electric Union reported a deficit of more than 2,000 megawatts during peak times, leading to prolonged blackouts across much of the nation.
The health sector is not spared either. Reports have chronicled the shortage of medications in state-run pharmacies, where many treatments have been unavailable for months.
A Call for Change
Beyond the numbers, Velázquez Rodríguez captures a sentiment shared by many Cubans. "How do we feel? Abandoned. A nation cannot live with insufficient wages, daily blackouts lasting over 20 hours, empty pharmacies, deteriorating basic services, and no end in sight to this misery," she asserts.
She directly appeals to the authorities to seek solutions for a crisis she believes has reached a breaking point. "It's time to change what needs to be changed. Swallow your pride, your sovereignty, your 'Homeland or Death' mantra, and start negotiating because this people shouldn't have to live like this for another day," she urges.
Her post joins other voices that, in recent months, have turned to social media to highlight the declining living conditions on the island, from extended blackouts to food and medicine shortages.
The concluding line of her message encapsulates the sentiment she wishes to convey: "This people are not enduring; they're dying: weary, hungry, worn out, with physical and mental health at risk every day."
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Social Crisis
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans today?
Cubans face numerous challenges, including severe economic hardship, prolonged power outages, shortages of basic goods and medicines, and inadequate wages that don't cover the cost of living.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis leads to frequent and extended blackouts, severely disrupting daily activities, impacting businesses and households, and exacerbating the overall hardship faced by the population.
Why is the Cuban peso devaluing?
The Cuban peso is devaluing due to economic mismanagement, inflation, and the disparity between state-set exchange rates and the informal market, leading to a loss of purchasing power for ordinary Cubans.
What solutions are being proposed to address the crisis?
Solutions proposed include economic reforms, negotiations for international aid, and changes in policy to improve living conditions and stabilize the economy, though concrete actions remain to be seen.