What Wi-Fi Brings Along With It (Part II)

Nonardo Perea

HAVANA TIMES — It was just a matter of time. A few days ago, at the Wi-Fi hot spot in Mariano, they killed a young man to take his laptop.

As a result of this tragedy, they removed the power outlets neighbors had installed there so that users could connect their devices. There are people with devices with short-lived batteries and require this service.

On hearing the news, I immediately went by the place and saw that the outlets have been removed. From what I heard, they did this so no one will take portable computers there and prevent robberies and crimes like this one. The way I see it, the unscrupulous individuals who rob others are happy to walk away with tablets and cell phones as well.

Now, at the back of the hot spot, we find a piece of cardboard with a sign in red: “Using electrical outlets from these facilities forbidden.”

People simply mock this sing, for they continue to take their laptops there. As we know, Cubans always find a way to overcome these kinds of problems, and many street-smart fellows have started to get their electricity from the streetlamps that surround the amphitheater.

I should mention that, since becoming a Wi-Fi hotspot, the place has ceased to function as a cultural or recreational venue and it’s been long since we last saw any nightly show. I assume it wouldn’t be smart to have young people who go there to have fun and hear the reggaeton bands of the day with those who go there to connect to the Internet. I assume that would be an explosive mix.