The Cuban regime extended its congratulations to the island's children this Saturday on International Children's Day with a quote from the late dictator Fidel Castro, stating: "We must protect them and watch over them as the pillars upon which a work is founded." The president of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "On International Children's Day, congratulations to Cuban girls and boys." He then shared Castro's quote: "And that is what we must think about most: today's children, who are the people of tomorrow. We must protect them and watch over them as the pillars upon which a work is founded."
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel also posted a message for the occasion, asserting that "for the hope of the world, for their well-being and future, Cuba battles. For the Cuban Revolution, every day is International Children's Day." Lis Cuesta, who is not officially recognized as the first lady but acts as such, wrote on her X account: "To all the children of the world, our best wishes today, especially to the Palestinian children, whose childhoods are drowned in tears and death. Stop the genocide now!!!"
However, these "warm" messages from the regime were met with backlash from Cubans outraged by the conditions that children in the Caribbean nation face. "Childhood in Cuba goes from blackout to blackout. What have you done to fix the electric infrastructure that's over 40 years old? Nothing. 'Investing' in hotels, yes, and keeping them empty," an internet user posted on Díaz-Canel's wall.
"They can't sleep due to 20-hour blackouts while you gallivant around the world; they are hungry and don't know what chocolate is while your wife organizes gourmet food events; they can't laugh while the grandchildren of your masters squander Cuba. Tyrant," wrote independent journalist José Raúl Gallego.
Inflation, food shortages, mass emigration of thousands of parents, and an energy crisis have overshadowed the childhoods of many Cuban children. Many of them have had to start working as street vendors to support their families, and some mothers cannot send them to school after enduring 20 hours without electricity, where the intense heat and mosquitoes prevent the children from resting adequately.
Challenges Facing Cuban Children
The following questions and answers delve into the various challenges Cuban children face, including the impact of blackouts, food shortages, and economic hardships.
How do frequent blackouts affect Cuban children?
Frequent blackouts can severely disrupt children's daily lives, preventing them from sleeping adequately and making it difficult to study or complete homework.
What economic challenges are Cuban children facing?
Cuban children are facing inflation, food shortages, and many have to work as street vendors to support their families due to the dire economic situation.
How has the migration of parents affected Cuban children?
The emigration of thousands of parents has left many children without adequate parental support, further exacerbating their hardships.
What is the Cuban government's stance on International Children's Day?
The Cuban government claims to prioritize children’s well-being, stating that every day is International Children's Day for the Cuban Revolution. However, many citizens find this rhetoric hypocritical given the current situation.