Despite the economic difficulties faced by families affected by Hurricane Oscar in acquiring the necessary products for rebuilding their lives after the storm hit last October, the Cuban government has decided to sell mattresses that arrived in the country as aid.
According to an information note from the provincial government of Guantánamo, published in the official newspaper Venceremos, the sale includes 14,000 mattresses, prioritizing the municipalities most affected: San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, and Maisí.
Of the mattresses, 10,287 are being sold to the affected individuals through the domestic retail network, with prices ranging from 735 to 1,865 pesos, depending on their features, as stated in the provided information.
While the cases with the greatest impact receive a 50% reimbursement on costs, the amount remains inaccessible for many families who have lost everything. In contrast, 501 mattresses were provided through social assistance, with the state covering 100% of the expenses.
Additionally, the territory received 4,440 mattresses donated by institutions, associations, and other provinces. Of these, the Municipal Defense Council allocated 4,326 units to the municipality of San Antonio del Sur, the area most severely affected by the flooding caused by Oscar.
Despite authorities claiming that the evaluation system prioritizes the most vulnerable, the sale of mattresses has been criticized by those affected.
A few weeks ago, a resident of Baracoa, whose home sustained severe damage from the recent cyclone, reported that the government sold her a mattress for 735 pesos.
In a video, he showed the mattress—almost like a mat due to how thin it is—and specified that it is for a person who is suffering from cancer.
"It's folding, because it's useless," she pointed out irritably, adding that she had been promised a camero mattress, but in the end, they sold her something else.
Since the end of November, when the distribution of mattresses began in Guantánamo, the authorities clarified that "the donations are completely free; and the rest are sold at a 50% discount, funded by the State budget."
Oscar struck the province of Guantánamo on October 20, 2024, making landfall near Baracoa with winds of around 130 km/h, which classified the system as a Category 1 hurricane.
This meteorological phenomenon caused heavy rainfall that led to significant river flooding, inundations, and considerable damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops in the municipalities of San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, and Maisí.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sale of Mattresses to Hurricane Oscar Victims in Guantánamo
Why is the Cuban government selling mattresses to those affected by Hurricane Oscar?
The Cuban government has decided to sell mattresses to those affected in order to fund part of the costs associated with recovery after Hurricane Oscar. Although they are being offered with a 50% subsidy, many affected individuals believe that the prices are still unaffordable. The sale of these mattresses, which arrived in the country as part of donations, has sparked criticism among the population and has been labeled as an insensitive response to the seriousness of the situation.
What alternatives do families have if they can't afford mattresses?
Families who cannot afford mattresses have the option to turn to Social Assistance, which has distributed some mattresses free of charge. Additionally, they can apply for bank loans or seek funding through subsidies from the Cuban government. However, these alternatives are not always effective due to bureaucracy and resource scarcity, worsening the situation for those affected.
How has Hurricane Oscar affected the province of Guantánamo?
Hurricane Oscar, which made landfall on October 20, 2024, caused significant damage in the province of Guantánamo, affecting more than 11,000 homes and resulting in the deaths of at least eight people. Intense rains and flooding damaged infrastructure and crops, leaving thousands of families in vulnerable situations. To date, only a small percentage of the damaged homes have been rebuilt, highlighting the magnitude of the disaster and the challenges of recovery.
What kind of international assistance has Cuba received after Hurricane Oscar?
Cuba has received international aid from organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Program, which have provided medical supplies, food, and temporary shelters for those affected. This assistance aims to alleviate the critical situation in Guantánamo, where Hurricane Oscar left thousands homeless and without access to basic services. However, the distribution of these resources faces logistical and bureaucratic challenges.
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