Cuba’s leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, declared on Sunday the suspension of the island's Cultural Day festivities, citing the severe energy crisis and the impending impact of Hurricane Oscar. "Due to the complex energy situation and the hurricane, we cannot commemorate #CubanCultureDay, honoring those who fought for independence 156 years ago. However, we have our homeland, revolution, and socialism, which means protection for all," the communist leader stated on his X account.
Furthermore, a notice released on the presidential website announced the cancellation of non-essential administrative tasks and classes on Monday, October 21, through Wednesday, October 23. The regime attributed this decision to the approach of Hurricane Oscar near Cuba's eastern regions and efforts to restore the National Electric System (SEN) after its complete failure last Friday morning, exacerbating the country's ongoing severe energy crisis.
The official communication specified that "workers mobilized under these circumstances" will receive average wage payments, while those unable to attend work due to the suspension will get a "salary guarantee equivalent to their job scale pay." Essential services for the population will remain operational during this period, adding to the emergency measures implemented by the Havana regime.
Emergency Measures and Public Response
The Union Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) had already issued a statement last Friday detailing the emergency measures in place due to the country's dire situation. These measures, effective immediately and updated this Sunday, include:
- Suspension of all non-essential services that consume energy.
- The Ministry of Culture (MINCULT) halts cultural activities in both state and non-state sectors.
- Only essential centers, such as hospitals and food production facilities, remain in operation.
- The closure of discos, recreation centers, and other venues that attract large crowds.
- The Ministry of Education (MINED) has suspended educational activities from Friday to Sunday across all levels.
- Activation of all Energy Councils at national, provincial, and municipal levels.
- Only essential personnel will continue working in job centers.
The Government's Acknowledgment of the Crisis
On Thursday night, Cuba's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, appeared in a troubled broadcast on Cuban radio and television alongside Energy and Mines Ministry officials to discuss the current crisis. Marrero Cruz emphasized the gravity of the situation, indicating no short-term resolution is anticipated.
"There are three principal factors affecting the electricity generation deficit: infrastructure conditions, fuel shortages, and increased demand," he acknowledged, highlighting the lack of fuel as the most significant issue.