A large portion of Cuba is currently experiencing a power outage that has lasted for days due to four power grid collapses in a 48-hour period. This has resulted in people being forced to cook on open campfires, food going to waste, schools and workplaces closing, and an overall sense of suffering among the local population. Jonathan Renko, a Canadian visitor, noted the dire situation in Cuba, with mountains of garbage, rats running around, and long line-ups for basic necessities like bread and water. Many resorts have generators that are no longer operational, and most restaurants have closed, making it difficult for people to find basic supplies.
The power outage has caused chaos for tourists in Cuba, with a lack of electricity causing issues such as not being able to activate cards for check-ins and over 300 people stuck in a lobby without power. The situation is worsened by the fact that hurricane Oscar made landfall in the country, causing heavy wind and flooding. Additionally, Cuba is currently facing a severe economic crisis with shortages of everything from medicine to fuel. This has been exacerbated by the reliance on fuel from Venezuela, which has been experiencing its own humanitarian crisis in recent years.
Amelia Kiddle, an Associate Professor of Latin America history at the University of Calgary, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the power outage in Cuba. She pointed out that the country’s infrastructure is aging, and fuel shortages have contributed to the current crisis. Some are calling for the United States to lift its trade embargo on Cuba to help alleviate the situation. Arturo Pinochet, a member of the Calgary-Cuban Friendship Association, emphasized the impact of the blockade on the Cuban economy and urged for its end. Cuba relies heavily on tourism, but Jonathan Renko advised against traveling to the country until the power crisis is resolved.
Jonathan Renko, who has family in Cuba and visits frequently, expressed his shock at the current conditions in the country. He noted that despite the exhaustion of hotel staff and the scarcity of services, tourists are still arriving in Cuba. Renko shared his experience of trying to arrange flights home for himself and a hundred others stuck in the resort, highlighting the challenges they faced with power outages interrupting their plans. The overall situation in Cuba is dire, with people struggling to meet basic needs and facing uncertainty about when the power will be restored.
