Promises are easy to make, and no one knows this better than Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has repeatedly assured sweeping "reforms," "advancements," and "improvements" that often remain unfulfilled. Skilled in the art of hypocrisy, Díaz-Canel, who also serves as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), led an extraordinary session of the Provincial Committee held in Sancti Spíritus. There, he vowed that by the end of the year, the government would "bring light to the population."
The enigmatic statement hovered over the gathering like a curious firefly awaiting a miraculous event, as captured by the cameras of the state-run media outlet Centrovisión. The bewildered expressions of the attendees were telling.
"We need to show results. By the end of the year, we must have different results. We must bring light to our people's lives before this year ends, with the things we are doing and achieving concrete results in everything we have set out to do," Díaz-Canel proclaimed.
Was this incoherent and empty phrase another political promise? Did Díaz-Canel mean to assure Cubans that the power outages would end by the year's end? Or was it a metaphor intending to bring some "joy" to a population that might applaud the resumption of electricity service after half a day without power?
What "light" is Díaz-Canel aiming to bring to "the life of our population"? Was he referring to measurable megawatts, or the metaphorical light of truth and noble causes? Was his statement propaganda, or does he secretly possess the formula to revitalize the national electro-energy system?
Since his appointment in 2019, courtesy of a nod from retired General Raúl Castro, Díaz-Canel has continually promised that "next year will be better," that "food production will improve," that foreign investments will pour in, that "all necessary changes will be made," that the "reordering will be corrected," and that tourism and the economy will grow, while power outages will diminish.
With just over three months left in the year, Díaz-Canel, the grand strategist of repairs and maintenance of thermoelectric plants to "have a summer with fewer blackouts," now promises to "bring light to the lives" of Cubans.
Time to stock up on more candles.
Questions About Díaz-Canel's Promises and Cuba's Energy Crisis
Given the ongoing issues and the recent promises made by Díaz-Canel, many questions arise regarding the reality and feasibility of these commitments. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What did Díaz-Canel mean by "bringing light to the population"?
Díaz-Canel's statement could be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it might mean resolving the frequent power outages. Metaphorically, it could imply bringing hope or improvements to the people's lives.
Has Díaz-Canel delivered on similar promises in the past?
Historically, many of Díaz-Canel's promises have remained unfulfilled. He has consistently assured improvements in various sectors, but the tangible results often fall short.
What are the main causes of the power outages in Cuba?
The primary causes of power outages in Cuba include outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and insufficient investment in the energy sector. The economic sanctions and the inefficiencies of the socialist system also contribute to the problem.