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In the midst of a deep crisis in Cuba, funeral homes and wakes are not exempt from the challenging circumstances.
A report from the town of Guayabal, in the Amancio Rodríguez municipality, reveals the deplorable conditions under which the wake for Gustavo Escalona Varona, known as "Gustavito," was held. He passed away due to a liver condition at the "Luis Aldana Palomino" Polyclinic with Hospitalization Services.
According to internet user Albert Rodríguez, the wake had to be held in a funeral home without electricity, using flashlights and rechargeable lamps from neighbors to light the place.
According to Rodríguez, the poor conditions of the facility not only caused outrage but also forced the interruption of the wake and the burial of the deceased at 3:00 a.m. due to the rapid decomposition of the body.
"But beyond the unfortunate loss of a dearly beloved person for the residents of Guayabal, the grief is compounded by the evident inability of the authorities to ensure a dignified farewell for the deceased," Rodríguez wrote on Facebook.
The complainant described the situation as a reflection of the system's decay and questioned the use of resources by the authorities.
"If they had saved the thousands of liters of fuel used by the King of Sesame for the production of 150 liters of sesame oil, it would surely have been enough for the funeral home to have its own power plant. But these are the things that Liborio will never understand," he added in his message.
Despite the widespread outrage, Rodríguez acknowledged the efforts of the funeral home workers, who, according to him, carry out a monumental task in the midst of these extreme conditions.
Last September, a Cuban publicly denounced the lack of resources in the funeral system after waiting 11 hours for the pickup of a relative's body in Holguín.
According to their account, the delay was due to a shortage of transportation and fuel, a situation that continually impacts the operation of these essential services on the island.
Additionally, in November, a case in Mayabeque illustrated how a deceased person had to be transported to their burial in a horse-drawn cart due to a lack of proper transportation.
This event was described as a "national disgrace" and sparked a strong social backlash, once again highlighting the authorities' inability to ensure a minimum level of dignity in these circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crisis in Funeral Services in Cuba
What are the current conditions of funeral homes in Cuba?
Funeral homes in Cuba are in deplorable conditions, as evidenced by a report from a funeral home in Las Tunas where a wake was held using lanterns due to the lack of electricity. The economic crisis and the government’s inefficacy have led to a significant deterioration in funeral services, impacting the dignity of the deceased and their families.
How is the scarcity of resources affecting funeral services in Cuba?
The scarcity of resources, such as fuel and transportation, has led to extreme situations, including the need to use dump trucks to transport bodies in Santiago de Cuba. The lack of hearses and basic materials is causing delays and significant distress among the population. Cases of bodies waiting for hours to be collected are becoming increasingly common, reflecting the serious crisis in the system.
What impact does the funeral crisis have on Cuban communities?
The funeral crisis is having a profound emotional and social impact on Cuban communities. Entire families are grappling with the anguish of being unable to give a dignified farewell to their loved ones. The frustration and pain are exacerbated by the lack of response and sensitivity from authorities regarding these situations. The rapid decomposition of bodies and the need for resources for burials have led to a series of public grievances.
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