Carmen María, a 70-year-old resident from an upscale neighborhood in Havana, reflects on the hardships faced by her and others in the city as they deal with prolonged blackouts of up to 15 hours in the Cuban capital. She describes how the dire economic situation in Cuba has left the majority of its nearly two million inhabitants grappling with basic needs, as many areas remain dark and devoid of traffic. The situation is worsened by the ongoing energy crisis, making daily life increasingly difficult.

Cuba has been undergoing a serious economic crisis for several years, exemplified by a notable loss of 15 percent of its GDP over the past five years, alongside a 20 percent decrease in its population. This backdrop underscores the urgent struggles of the Cuban people, who, amidst a lack of resources and energy, are forced to rely on improvised cooking methods and generators to meet their daily needs. Carmen María's words reflect a societal reality plagued by uncertainty and scarcity, which have become commonplace in her neighborhood.

The economic situation has been exacerbated by the U.S. oil embargo, restricting Cuba's capacity to import energy to meet two-thirds of its needs. The growing economic strain on the island raises serious concerns about the welfare of its citizens in the face of ongoing governmental challenges and geopolitical tensions. The future of many, like Carmen María, hangs in the balance as political leaders, including Donald Trump, make statements about potential changes, contrasting sharply with the current living conditions experienced by the average Cuban citizen.