After a seven-year hiatus, Cuba recently issued journalism visas to members of The Times, allowing reporters to cover the island amid its ongoing energy crisis. Jack Nicas, who covers the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, traveled to Cuba accompanied by video journalist Alex Pena and photographer Lisette Poole González. Their visit marked the first authorized reporting trip by the news organization since Cuba last granted such access.
The journalists arrived during Cuba’s most severe energy shortages in recent memory. Widespread blackouts have disrupted daily life and strained the country’s power infrastructure, further compounded by restrictions on fuel imports following U.S. sanctions. Despite these challenges, the Cuban government and its citizens continue to maintain essential functions, displaying notable resilience.
During their week-long reporting, the team documented how Cubans are adapting through a blend of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Electric rickshaws imported from China are replacing older, gas-powered vehicles, while residents install solar panels and use large lithium batteries to keep appliances running during power outages. Mechanics across the island have rigged generators to function on available natural gas, compensating for fuel scarcity. One farmer developed a small-scale refinery converting shredded plastic into gasoline to power his motorcycle and stove, exemplifying the creative problem-solving deeply embedded in Cuban society.
The concept of “resolver”—meaning to find solutions by any means necessary—emerged as a defining element of the Cuban experience. Historically significant during previous economic hardships, including the post-Soviet era, this adaptive mindset continues to guide citizens in their efforts to cope with current adversities. The reporters encountered stories of people powering vehicles with charcoal or cooking oil and using inventive techniques to maintain daily routines.
Interactions with locals revealed a range of perspectives regarding the sources of Cuba’s difficulties. Some attributed economic hardship to government policies and political repression, while others pointed to the effects of intensified U.S. sanctions under former President Donald Trump. Many expressed frustration with both factors, highlighting the complex environment in which the crisis unfolds.
Securing the visas required a prolonged diplomatic effort. Nicas recounted meetings with high-level Cuban officials in multiple cities over six months, including Mexico City, Havana, Washington, and New York, along with numerous appeals to demonstrate the intent to report fairly. Once in Havana, the journalists met with Cuban authorities on several occasions but generally operated without government interference, freely choosing their reporting locations and interview subjects.
The team’s coverage provides insight into a nation navigating extraordinary hardship while sustaining everyday life through adaptability and determination, illuminating aspects of Cuban society rarely seen by international audiences.