Cuba is grappling with a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by US sanctions that have led to crippling power outages and a collapse of essential services. Betty, a tour guide in Havana, notes that her business is suffering as tourism has plummeted, with streets once vibrant with visitors now desolate. The US blockade has intensified since January, leading to a halt in oil shipments from Mexico, which previously supplied Cuba with 20,000 barrels a day. As power outages extend up to 20 hours daily, citizens like Lucia struggle with basic necessities. The healthcare system is in crisis, with 100,000 patients waiting for surgeries due to power shortages. Francisco laments the deteriorating sanitation conditions, stating that Havana has become one of the dirtiest cities in Latin America. Amidst this turmoil, small protests have emerged, reflecting the growing desperation among citizens. A survey indicated that 94% of Cubans feel urgent political change is needed, with many expressing support for US military intervention. Experts suggest that the Cuban population is caught in a conflict between the US and their own government, leading to a sense of hopelessness and frustration.