For over twenty years, Guillermo Durán has been crafting artisanal cages to make a living in Cuba. Nowadays, his greatest challenge isn't finding customers or materials, but securing a few hours of electricity to work.
"If the power comes from seven to eight at night, I can't work because I can't see, and I need to protect my hands," he explains in a video shared on social media by Carlos Batista.
Like thousands of Cubans, Guillermo has had to rearrange his daily schedule to cope with the extended power outages plaguing the nation. When electricity is available in the morning, he makes the most of every minute to advance his work.
"Now they give us two or three hours in the morning, so I take advantage of those hours," he states.
His story highlights the everyday impact of Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, where in many areas, power cuts exceed 20 hours a day due to the National Electrical System's generation shortfall.
The Evolution from Hobby to Lifeline
Crafting cages started as a hobby. While employed elsewhere, he spent his free time honing his skills.
"I used my leisure time, while working at my job, to focus on making cages," he recalls.
Everything changed when he had to retire due to health issues. Since then, crafting cages has become his main source of income.
Adapting to Material Shortages
The scarcity of resources hasn't stopped him. Unable to find nails of the right thickness, Guillermo decided to make them himself.
He extracts steel wires from inside bicycle tires, removes the rubber, cuts them into small pieces, and shapes them using a motor with an emery stone.
"I make the nails myself because you can't find nails of that thickness here," he says with the ease of someone who has learned to overcome every hurdle.
Retirement Challenges in Cuba
His situation also sheds light on the challenges faced by many retired Cubans. Low pensions force thousands of seniors to continue working to supplement their income. After the increase approved in September 2025, the minimum pension was set at 4,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to less than nine dollars a month at the informal exchange rate.
Though he acknowledges the years have taken their toll and his legs aren't as strong, Guillermo insists that stopping work isn't an option.
"I can't just sit in a chair or lie in bed because I'd become a burden, and I'd shorten my life. I feel good this way," he asserts.
Encouragement for the Younger Generation
His days are filled with building cages and the desire to stay healthy and keep going. He also shares advice with younger individuals, encouraging them to learn a trade as a tool to tackle life's challenges.
"Education and a trade are what open doors in life," he advises.
Despite the fatigue and physical limitations, Guillermo's determination remains unshaken.
"Every day, I feel stronger, though my legs are weak. Yet, I keep pushing forward," he concludes, waiting for the power to return so he can continue crafting the cages that sustain his life.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Its Impact
What challenges does Guillermo Durán face in his work?
Guillermo Durán struggles primarily with finding enough electricity to work, as power outages in Cuba can last over 20 hours a day. Additionally, he must make his own materials due to shortages.
How has Guillermo adapted to the lack of materials?
Guillermo creates his own nails by extracting steel wires from bicycle tires, cutting them into pieces, and shaping them with a motorized grinder, due to the scarcity of appropriate materials.
Why do many retired Cubans continue to work?
Many retired Cubans, like Guillermo, continue to work because their pensions are insufficient to cover living expenses, necessitating additional income to meet their needs.