Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz recently took to social media to voice his frustration over the prolonged wait for the National Insurance Company (ESEN) to replace his vehicle, which was rendered unusable in an accident. This bureaucratic process has now dragged on for five years. "In a month, it'll be five years waiting on ESEN, five years dreaming of the famous replacement," Ortiz shared on his Facebook profile, highlighting the despair many Cubans face when dealing with such institutions.
Although Ortiz hinted that "it's not relevant now," his post quickly shifted to another saga concerning gasoline, a commodity increasingly rare in the country. He recounted how he borrowed a car to get around, only to find himself out of fuel soon after. "I started calling friends, the rescue brigade, and no one could help," wrote the comedian, illustrating the dire situation while maintaining his signature comedic flair.
After two hours of waiting, a friend named Albertico arrived, but, as is often the case on the island, he too was without gasoline. Despite the difficulty, another friend, "Juan Karlos the Fat One," whom Ortiz called a "Cuban warrior," managed to procure fuel and save the night.
The story ended with a gathering among friends that, according to Ortiz, encapsulates the Cuban spirit: finding joy and camaraderie even amid challenges. "After a few whiskeys, we parted ways, each happy, each Cuban," he wrote with his usual humor.
While told in a light-hearted manner, the tale underscores two serious issues plaguing daily life in Cuba: the inefficiency of state-run institutions and the chronic fuel shortage. These themes frequently appear in Ortiz's posts, as he uses humor to shed light on the everyday struggles of Cubans.
The comedian has endured a true odyssey with ESEN, having signed a contract to insure his car, which was totaled in an accident, yet remains unresolved. In 2023, for instance, he sharply criticized the state entity, announcing his intention to sue for breach of contract. He also accused its leadership of "making agreements they can't fulfill" and merely "meeting with disgruntled clients to buy time and prolong their suffering."
"In a country where importing cars is no longer a crime, where a significant number of rental cars are sent to an entity that dismantles them for parts or delivers them as replacements, and where there are parking lots full of unused cars, it's absurd that ESEN continues using the same rhetoric from years ago without providing a concrete answer," Ortiz questioned on his Facebook.
In February, the comedian expressed his outrage at the official Mesa Redonda program, which discussed insurance in Cuba.
Understanding Otto Ortiz's Critique of ESEN
What prompted Otto Ortiz to criticize the ESEN?
Otto Ortiz criticized the ESEN due to a five-year delay in replacing his car, which was damaged in an accident. His frustration reflects the inefficiencies faced by many Cubans when dealing with state institutions.
How does Ortiz describe the gasoline situation in Cuba?
Ortiz describes the gasoline situation as dire, recounting how he struggled to find fuel after borrowing a car. This scarcity is a significant issue impacting daily life on the island.
What broader issues do Ortiz's anecdotes highlight?
Ortiz's stories highlight the inefficiency of Cuban state institutions and the chronic shortage of resources like gasoline, which are persistent problems in the country.