As Cuba experiences its fourth nationwide blackout in under six months, the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) has claimed that the country's tourist infrastructure remains fully operational thanks to a robust energy backup system. This assertion by Juan Carlos García Granda, the head of the state entity, has sparked outrage among Cubans, who criticize the prioritization of international tourism over the island's precarious electrical service.
At approximately 8:15 PM, a significant fluctuation caused the National Electric System to fail, prompting recovery efforts. MINTUR stated on social media, "The Cuban tourism system is supported by a solid energy backup that ensures the continuous operation of hotels, extra-hotel facilities, and associated services. We remain committed to serving our customers."
However, images and videos circulating on social media have contradicted MINTUR's claims, with footage showing several major hotels, including the iconic Hotel Nacional, plunged into darkness during the blackout. A Facebook video captured the landmark without power, challenging the supposed reliability of the tourism sector's energy backup.
From Friday night, a large portion of the Cuban population has been without electricity following the complete failure of the National Electric System (SEN). Official data indicates that current generation is a mere 110 megawatts (MW), far short of the demand, which can reach up to 1,800 MW during the day and over 3,200 MW at night.
Despite the SEN collapse, MINTUR emphasizes that the tourism sector continues to function normally due to investments in backup power plants for hotels and recreational centers. This disparity has fueled discontent, highlighting the contrast between the reality of thousands of Cubans relying on a crumbling electrical system and the consistent blackouts that impact their quality of life.
The Cuban government defends its strategy of prioritizing tourism as a critical revenue source amid the economic crisis. Yet, citizens question the allocation of resources to ensure the comfort of foreign visitors while enduring prolonged power cuts. "Hotels have light and air conditioning, but we can't even keep our food from spoiling," one social media user lamented.
As the National Electric Union (UNE) works on restoring the SEN without a clear timeline for full service resumption, uncertainty and social unrest grow. In a country where electricity has become a luxury, MINTUR's misguided statements have only widened the gap between the Cuban people's reality and the government's priorities.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The blackout was caused by a significant fluctuation in the National Electric System, leading to its failure.
How has the Cuban government prioritized tourism over local needs?
The government has invested in backup power systems for tourist facilities, ensuring their operation while local residents face frequent blackouts.
Why are Cubans critical of the government's energy strategy?
Cubans are critical because resources are allocated to maintain tourist comfort, while the general population suffers from unreliable electrical service.