Cuban Communities Face Solar Equipment Theft and Funding Challenges

The Piarist parish of St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Nicholas of Bari in Havana reported that donated solar lamps were stolen from its premises, adding to a pattern of robberies and fires that have plagued the church since early 2026. The congregation said, "We refuse to normalize this situation. We will not remain silent nor will we resign ourselves," and criticized the lack of response from local authorities.

In the province of Sancti Spíritus, residents of Zaza del Medio collected about $10,300 and 26,000 Cuban pesos to purchase solar panels for an ETECsa radio base that provides local internet service. The community initiative aimed to restore connectivity after frequent power cuts. Local official Luis Orlando Gómez Castro noted that the financing came from a popular call and contributions from Cubans abroad, while the state telecom monopoly continues to charge high rates for internet access.