Nathyy Zaldívar Toro, a Cuban residing in the United States, has once again sparked conversation on TikTok by sharing the receipt for a purchase of essential groceries she sent to her family in Cuba. In the video, where she holds a noticeably lengthy receipt, she clarifies a point many might not understand: "Cuba is indeed a bill, darling, a big bill." Nathyy uses this term to highlight the steep costs associated with sending aid to the island, which totaled around $400 for products and an additional $300 for shipping, bringing the overall expense to $700.
In her TikTok clip, @nathyy.zaldivar.t addresses those who claim "Cuba is not a bill" by explaining that for families with loved ones on the island, sending food and necessities has become a major financial obligation. Nathyy makes it clear that for her, this "bill" is a priority that she cannot neglect. "I would rather go without food in the cold so that my family can have food in the cold in Cuba... until they can be here, they have to live well."
This isn't the first time Nathyy has faced criticism for her remittances. Back in September, she also defended her decision to support her family from afar, asserting that she won't forget her loved ones despite those who question its worth. "Cuba is a bill, for me, it is a bill," she stated back then, stirring a mix of support and scrutiny. This time, the reaction has been no different.
Mixed Reactions to Nathyy's Commitment
The comments on TikTok show a variety of reactions. Some wholeheartedly support Nathyy, saying things like "Of course it's a bill, that's my biggest bill and it's definitely a big one," and "Of course it's a bill... if you have to keep sending them top-ups and food all the time," "I support you because I do the same for my family, and yes, it's a bill, but it's our responsibility." One user shares, "My bill with Cuba is $220 in remittances every month. I won't go higher unless there’s an emergency!"
However, not everyone is as sympathetic: "It's a bill because you choose it to be... what's done from the heart isn't publicized," one critic commented, to which Nathyy responded firmly, "Who told you anyone is complaining, or are you deaf?" Others question her employment situation, suggesting that someone earning an average salary couldn't afford to send such large sums regularly: "What do you do for a living? Because someone earning what most jobs pay in any state couldn't afford to send $400 in food every month."
The topic has sparked heated debate on TikTok, especially among those with family in Cuba who understand the financial commitment involved in supporting relatives from abroad. As Nathyy emphasizes, for many, sending aid to the island isn't merely a choice but a duty that, no matter the cost, must be fulfilled.