A segment from an interview between Cuban journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet and former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has gone viral on social media. The exchange occurred during the program Conversa con Correa, broadcast on RT en Español in November, and resurfaced this week as Cuba’s energy crisis intensifies, with reports of outages lasting over 40 hours in some areas.
A Historical Justification
Rodríguez attempted to justify the ongoing power outages in Cuba by stating, “Someone told me, ‘the blackout is terrible.’ I said: look, José Martí didn’t know electric light and he was a genius, he wrote like the gods; I wish I could write a line like Martí with the light on.” Correa immediately responded with disbelief, stating, “But Arleen, we are in the 21st century.”
Correa’s facial expression, described as a mix of surprise and irony, underscored his disagreement with the journalist’s justification. The moment was widely shared on social media, with users criticizing Rodríguez’s statement. Facebook user Yun Ping On described the journalist as “so unprofessional” that Correa “had to stop her nonsense.”
Social Media Response
Psychologist Reybi Sarmiento also reacted on Facebook, pointing out that Martí not only knew about electric light but also wrote about it. Sarmiento shared quotes from Martí’s writings, including his exclamation, “Beautiful electric light! … the soft air illuminated, as with reflections of angel wings.”
The incident reflects a broader contrast between the official narrative—which seeks to minimize the severity of the outages—and the reality faced by millions of Cubans struggling without consistent access to electricity, gas, and basic necessities. Correa’s succinct response, “We are in the 21st century,” has been widely circulated as a rebuke of the justifications commonly offered on Cuban state television.
Looking Ahead
It is possible that this exchange will further fuel criticism of the Cuban government’s handling of the energy crisis. Continued outages could lead to increased public discontent and demands for greater transparency and accountability. The incident may also encourage further scrutiny of state-controlled media and the narratives they present. However, it is also likely that the government will continue to defend its policies and emphasize external factors contributing to the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the viral exchange?
The exchange was prompted by Arleen Rodríguez Derivet’s attempt to justify the power outages in Cuba by suggesting that José Martí, a national hero, did not have access to electric light.
How did Rafael Correa respond to the journalist’s statement?
Rafael Correa responded with incredulity, stating, “But Arleen, we are in the 21st century.” His reaction was captured on camera and widely shared on social media.
What has been the public reaction to the exchange?
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly critical of Rodríguez Derivet’s statement, with many users on social media labeling it as unprofessional and out of touch with the current realities in Cuba.
How might this incident impact public perception of the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba?