Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez has spoken out following a massive blackout that plunged Cuba into darkness this past Friday. He urged the Cuban people to strive for freedom and demand their rights to a dignified life, complete with reliable public services. "Cuba is under total blackout. Sixty-five years of communist dictatorship have decimated the electrical grid. The regime is so incompetent and cruel that it refuses to provide basic services to the population. The Cuban people want freedom. The time has come," Giménez stated on his account on X, previously known as Twitter.
This blackout, the fourth in less than six months, has thrust the island into an unprecedented energy crisis. Reports indicate that a malfunction at the Diezmero electrical substation resulted in a complete disconnection from the National Electric System (SEN), cutting off power to nearly 10 million residents.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) announced that they are managing to generate about 110 megawatts (MW) through "microsystems," far below the daily demand, which can reach up to 1,800 MW. Cuba’s electrical infrastructure is in a prolonged state of decline, with aging thermoelectric plants and a chronic lack of investment. This scenario has led to frequent blackouts, severely impacting daily life in Cuba, from food preservation to the functioning of essential services.
The Cuban regime has blamed these issues on economic sanctions imposed by the United States. However, independent experts point to ineffective management and a lack of infrastructure investment as the main causes. Giménez, who left Cuba in 1960 at the age of six, has consistently critiqued the regime's narrative. He recently visited the Guantanamo Naval Base, describing it as "the only free part of Cuba."
Following Donald Trump's return to the White House, Giménez has called for exposing regime oppressors who have emigrated to the United States, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability. In February, Giménez responded to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who claimed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would "be disappointed" in visiting Havana. Giménez countered by highlighting how the regime has "oppressed and trampled an entire people to cling to power," adding "their time is running out," suggesting an imminent political shift on the island.
Earlier, in January, Giménez issued a warning to ruling leader Miguel Díaz-Canel after Díaz-Canel supported Colombian President Gustavo Petro in a confrontation with Trump. The congressman predicted that "what's coming their way is of biblical proportions," anticipating significant challenges for the Cuban regime amid escalating tensions with the United States and a potentially stricter foreign policy from the Trump administration.
Giménez's recent call to action resonates strongly in this context. His message emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis in Cuba, as well as the importance of international solidarity and pressure on the regime to support the Cuban people's quest for freedom and democracy.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
A malfunction at the Diezmero electrical substation led to a total disconnection from the National Electric System, leaving nearly 10 million residents without power.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the energy crisis?
The Cuban regime has blamed economic sanctions imposed by the United States for the energy crisis, while independent experts cite poor management and lack of infrastructure investment as primary causes.
What actions has Congressman Carlos Giménez recommended?
Congressman Giménez has urged the Cuban people to fight for freedom and has called for international solidarity and pressure on the Cuban regime to support the people's quest for democracy.