The entire island of Cuba experienced a power outage on Friday, affecting its population of 10 million. The government had tried to conserve energy by closing schools and having most state workers stay home, but the largest power plant failed, causing a grid failure. The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, stated that solving the problem is a top priority and there won’t be any rest until power is restored. Rolling blackouts have been a common occurrence in Cuba for months due to deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising electricity demand. The limited supply of oil, mainly from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, has further exacerbated the situation. Authorities are unsure how long it will take to reestablish power. This moment has caused concern among many Cubans, with some expressing alarm and fear that the situation may worsen. Cuba’s government has attributed many of its economic issues to the U.S. embargo, increased sanctions under former President Donald Trump, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism industry. The economic crisis has led to shortages in food, medicine, and fuel, making life difficult for the average Cuban.
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