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In the midst of a deep crisis in Cuba, funeral homes and wakes are not exempt from the difficult situation.
A report from the town of Guayabal in the Amancio Rodríguez municipality highlights 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 at a funeral home without electricity, using flashlights and rechargeable lamps borrowed 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 to take place at 3:00 a.m. due to the rapid decomposition of the body.
"But beyond the regrettable loss of someone deeply cherished by the people of Guayabal, the pain is compounded by the evident inability of the leaders to ensure a dignified farewell for the deceased," Rodríguez wrote on Facebook.
The complainant described the situation as a reflection of the system's decline and questioned the use of resources by the authorities.
"If they had saved the thousands of liters of fuel consumed 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 work of the funeral home staff, who, according to him, perform a tremendous task under these extreme conditions.
Last September, a Cuban publicly denounced the lack of resources in the funeral system after waiting 11 hours for the collection of a deceased relative's body in Holguín.
According to the report, the delay was due to a shortage of transportation and fuel, a situation that constantly impacts the operation of these essential services on the island.
In November, a case in Mayabeque revealed how a deceased person had to be transported to their burial in a horse-drawn cart due to the lack of suitable transportation.
This incident was described as a "national disgrace" and sparked significant public outrage, highlighting once again the authorities' inability to ensure even a basic level of dignity in such 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 highlighted by a report from a funeral home in Las Tunas where a wake was held using flashlights due to the electricity shortage. The economic crisis and government inefficiency have led to a significant decline 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 funeral vehicles and basic materials is causing delays and significant distress among the population. Instances of bodies waiting hours to be collected are increasingly common, reflecting the severe crisis within 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 facing the anguish of being unable to give their loved ones a dignified farewell. The indignation and pain are exacerbated by the lack of response and sensitivity from authorities in the face of these situations. The rapid decomposition of bodies and the need for resources for burials have led to a series of public outcries.
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