Cubans on social media reacted angrily to a video of a mother holding a baby who spends her days outside an MLC store in Havana.
A report shared this week by the Facebook page "Crímenes en Cuba" and replicated by other users describes the case of a woman who has been seen with her child in the block of 1st and 70, in the Playa municipality.
It seems she spends the whole day sitting on the ground, sometimes even in the rain.
"She clearly isn't doing well; perhaps she has some psychological issue or doesn't have a place to live," commented the activist Irma Broek, the author of the original post.
Irma pointed out that the child could get sick from being in the open for so long, and she criticized the fact that in such a busy area, neither a social worker, a government official, nor even a good Samaritan had helped her.
Hundreds of people commented on the post. Some offered to help the mother, others questioned the sharing of her image online without her consent, and many criticized the government for its lack of action to address this type of case that is widespread in the country.
"I can donate some warm clothes for my 2-year-old, a pair of little shoes, a blanket to keep him covered, and even a new bottle that I have lying around. If someone contacts her, have them message me and I will get those things to her," said a user.
"But file a report, call 106, and if someone is there at that moment who actually sees it and can verify that it’s true, they should call the police. Not with the aim of repressing, but to take measures; that is the approach to addressing the situation and the minor," stated another.
"Where is the lack of governance? As a state under the rule of law, it is the government that must be held responsible for its citizens, and as the manipulator Castro said, 'No one will be left without support.' It is not the YouTubers or the influencers. If they help, that's great, but we should not delegate responsibility to those who do not hold it," said a resident in Miami.
"I have never seen her; it’s impossible to forget that scene. But I visit that place often because I work nearby, and believe me, the number of borrowed mothers there so that the kids can ask for money is disgusting. But you can find the same thing on 1st and 70th, in Havana, and especially where there are still some tourists. Begging has become a profession..." questioned a woman from Havana.
Several users on the Facebook profile "La Tijera" agreed with this view when they shared the video of the young mother.
One of them, identified as Koki DG, claimed that he has been a neighbor of the mother and her partner since they were young, that each of them had their own house which they sold, and that they spent that money on drinks.
"They are both quite shameless, her and her husband. People have given them gifts after all those events, and they sell them. They are in this situation because they feel like it, selling their houses," she asserted, adding that the woman rents out the shopping list for months.
For her part, user Yadi Chicha expressed that she is aware of the situation and, besides the financial needs, there is poor educational management by both parents. "The husband is hiding in the reefs until she finishes seeking sympathy from the ignorant; he doesn't work to support his family because he doesn't want to, yet he still receives assistance from social services. Everyone in the Buena Vista neighborhood knows about this case."
Several people expressed their concern for the child, who is unaware of the adults' mistakes.
"If she, as a troubled mother, cannot care for that little angel properly, it is better for him to be taken in and raised in specialized homes for children without parental support," suggested a licensed accountant.
"The little baby should be taken away because he is in danger like this on the streets," stated a woman from Holguín.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Mothers and Children in Cuba
Why is the Cuban government criticized in the case of the mother in front of the store in Havana?
The Cuban government is criticized for its inaction and lack of measures to assist vulnerable individuals, such as the mother with her child in her arms who spends the day outside a store that sells in MLC (moneda libremente convertible). This case highlights the helplessness faced by many families and the indifference of the authorities towards their situation.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the situation of the mother in Havana?
The Cuban community has reacted with outrage and solidarity. Many citizens have offered assistance to the mother and her child, while others criticize the dissemination of their image without consent and the lack of action from the government to address the situation of these vulnerable individuals.
What challenges do mothers and children face in Cuba in the current context?
Mothers and children in Cuba face issues such as extreme poverty, inadequate housing, and the necessity to beg for survival. The economic crisis has worsened these conditions, leaving many families in desperate situations without the necessary support from the state.
What can be done to help vulnerable mothers and children in Cuba?
To support vulnerable mothers and children, citizens can get involved in solidarity initiatives, donate clothing, food, and other essential items. It is also crucial to raise awareness of these cases on social media to urge authorities to take action and provide long-term solutions.
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