Cuban content creator Robert Evangelista recently shared a poignant video on Facebook, highlighting the severe lack of opportunities for young people in Cuba.
The post rapidly gained traction, amassing over 122,000 views and nearly 12,000 reactions within hours. The catalyst for Evangelista’s message was the story of a young woman from Matanzas who secured a scholarship in Europe after moving to Spain.
While Evangelista praised her achievement, he pointed out that her success was only possible because she left Cuba: "No matter how smart you are in Cuba, no young person has a chance. There are no opportunities in this country."
He painted a bleak picture for those who remain. "How many young Cubans are studying right now only to end up on the streets? They either get involved with drugs or end up selling sodas in a café. There's no chance for anything here."
Evangelista illustrated the country's social breakdown. "Half of the youth is caught up in drugs. The other half is involved in fights because we've become a social mess, and no one is going to cover that up."
Economic Struggles and Social Reality
Despite acknowledging that he enjoys "a slightly higher economic status than the average Cuban," Evangelista stressed that this doesn't alter the harsh reality.
"There are no opportunities because, unfortunately, you can't invest, and you can't develop as a person," he stated. He added that to thrive economically in Cuba, “you have to get involved in things you might not want to."
The video also included a direct critique of the country's humanitarian crisis. "People have no food, no money; the elderly are scavenging in the trash, and children are begging at traffic lights, on the streets. People are without food and electricity."
He concluded his video with a rebuke of those who are uncomfortable when these truths are spoken openly. "We are experts at camouflaging the garbage; to the world, we seem perfect, but inside, we are dying."
Rising Criticism Amid Ongoing Crisis
This video is part of an ongoing pattern of increasingly outspoken criticism from Evangelista. In January, he released a viral parody of the "Letter of the Year 2026," using dark humor to depict the country's decline.
In March, alongside beauty queen Leah Reyes, he organized a humanitarian effort on the island, providing food and essential goods to over 40 vulnerable families in Cuba.
In May, he turned down offers from more than four companies to promote food packages and shipments to the island, citing his audience's lack of financial means to afford them. In response to a $700 offer, he declared, "My conscience and dignity are not worth seven hundred dollars."
His comments come against the backdrop of a documented crisis. According to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty. Among those aged 18 to 30, only 22% are in education, while nearly 20% neither study nor work.
Understanding Cuba's Social and Economic Challenges
What are the main issues highlighted by Robert Evangelista?
Robert Evangelista highlights the lack of opportunities for young people in Cuba, the country's social breakdown, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, including the lack of food, money, and basic necessities.
How did Evangelista respond to business offers related to Cuba?
Evangelista declined offers from several companies to promote food packages and shipments to Cuba, stating that his audience could not afford them and that his conscience and dignity were not for sale.
What is the current economic situation in Cuba according to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights?
According to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty, with only 22% of young people aged 18 to 30 in education, while almost 20% neither study nor work.