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Cuban sports journalist Yasel Porto traveled to the island to visit his grandmother's grave in the Colón cemetery in Havana, and publicly denounced the conditions of deterioration and neglect he encountered in the most emblematic cemetery of the Cuban capital.
During his visit, he discovered that the mausoleum containing the remains of the elderly woman was in a deplorable state, with the door open and signs of vandalism inside, he explained in a post on his Facebook page DPorto Sports LLC.
The visitor, living in the United States, reported that he could not verify whether his grandmother's remains were still at the site due to the lack of security and the necessary permits to access the area.
Additionally, there was a noticeable neglect in other areas of the cemetery, including the mausoleum of professional baseball players, where plaques and bronze decorations honoring prominent figures like Andrés Ayón Brown, a legend of Cuban baseball, have disappeared.
The testimony also highlighted more serious issues, such as open graves, exposed human remains on the streets, and a constant odor.
These complaints have become frequent, but the regime blames this disaster on a lack of resources, the exodus of skilled workers due to low wages, and institutional apathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Condition of Cemeteries in Cuba
What is the current state of the Colón Cemetery in Havana?
Colón Cemetery in Havana is in a state of decay and neglect. The conditions of disrepair include open mausoleum doors, vandalism, exposed graves, visible skeletal remains, and a persistent stench. The regime attributes these issues to a lack of resources and the exodus of skilled workers due to low wages.
What issues have been reported in other cemeteries in Cuba?
In various cemeteries in Cuba, such as those in Camagüey and Sancti Spíritus, reports have emerged of neglect characterized by open niches, destroyed tombstones, litter accumulation, and theft of funeral items. Additionally, in the cemetery of Las Tunas, there have been complaints of grave desecration. These issues reflect a lack of resources and maintenance by the State.
How do these conditions affect Cuban families?
The deplorable conditions of cemeteries in Cuba emotionally impact families, as they witness the abandoned and vandalized resting places of their loved ones. Additionally, they face logistical and financial difficulties in burying their deceased, such as the lack of funeral transport and the burden of costs that should be covered by the state.
What has the Cuban government done to address this situation?
The Cuban government has justified the deterioration of cemeteries by citing a lack of resources and a shortage of trained personnel. However, no effective measures have been implemented to improve the situation, leading to an increase in public complaints and social discontent regarding the disrespect shown to the deceased and their families.
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