An unusual scene unfolded on Saturday in Old Havana. There, in the middle of the street and in plain sight, a man was lying on a garbage heap.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared a video on his Facebook wall showing an individual lying on his back amidst waste, while people walk by, completely indifferent to his presence.
According to Mayeta, it is a beggar. "Looking indifferently at life from the perspective of Cuban poverty," he commented.
The heartbreaking image of a man who could be high, drunk, mentally unwell, or even ill, lying on the garbage, at the mercy of any aggression, and with no one showing the slightest interest or even calling the authorities, reflects the decay of Cuban society and the government's indifference toward its citizens.
Begging has notably increased in Cuba amid a context marked by shortages of basic goods, high prices, and low wages and pensions.
It is increasingly common to see individuals with mental or physical disabilities, as well as elderly people without family, lying on old cardboard in streets, parks, doorways, and bus stops.
An elderly man who used to beg for alms in the municipality of Regla, Havana, was recently found dead on the sidewalk. Images shared in the Facebook group "Crímenes en Cuba" showed the man collapsed against a wall next to what appeared to be his belongings.
In October, an elderly man was found dead in the Olimar pool, located in Zone 1 of the Alamar district, in the municipality of Havana del Este.
Several people took to social media seeking information that would help identify and locate him for his family. In response, users confirmed that the man resided in Alamar, in zone 24; his family was from the east, but he lived alone in the capital, and he had been married to a woman who passed away a few months ago.
A woman stated that she "struggled a lot," as she "always saw him eating things from the trash cans and picking up things."
In May, at a park in Santiago de Cuba, an elderly man was spotted by some children while eating from the trash, and they started yelling at him not to do that.
"Don't eat junk," they told him over and over again.
The man, very thin and leaning on a long stick that served as a cane, was rummaging through a pile of trash, and time and again he would bring something to his mouth and eat it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Homeless People in Cuba
What is the situation of homeless individuals in Cuba?
The situation of homeless individuals in Cuba is alarming, with a significant increase in the number of people living on the streets due to the economic crisis. The lack of resources, healthcare, and social support, combined with government indifference, has left many of these individuals in a state of extreme vulnerability.
What factors contribute to the increase of homelessness in Cuba?
The increase in homelessness in Cuba is primarily due to the deep economic crisis the country is facing, characterized by shortages of basic products, inflation, and low wages, which has left many people without the means for a dignified life.
How does the Cuban government respond to the crisis of homelessness?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its inaction and lack of effective responses to the homelessness crisis. Although plans have been announced to move people off the streets, actions taken are insufficient, and responsibility is often delegated without providing concrete and effective solutions.
What impact does the economic crisis have on the lives of the elderly in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the elderly, leaving them in a state of extreme vulnerability. The lack of resources, healthcare, and social support, along with the migration of family members, has worsened their situation, forcing many to live on the streets or in conditions of begging.
What can be done to help homeless people in Cuba?
To help the homeless in Cuba, it is essential to raise awareness of this issue and promote solidarity. Community initiatives and individual efforts to provide food, care, and resources are crucial, as well as urging the government to implement effective social support policies.
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