A young soldier, a member of the honor guard responsible for guarding the remains of Cuba's National Hero, José Martí, had to be assisted this Tuesday at the Santa Ifigenia Heritage Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba after fainting during his duty.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on his Facebook profile about the incident in which a soldier from Santiago had to be assisted after collapsing during the changing of the honor guard at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.
In the video shared by Mayeta, one can clearly see the moment when the young soldier was carried from the front of the José Martí Mausoleum to the administrative buildings of the cemetery.
In the comments section, several individuals expressed that the young people serving in the military as part of the honor guard stand for too long, even during rotating shifts, which is exhausting.
On the other hand, some attributed the fainting to a lack of nourishment, while others pointed out that, if there is a group of soldiers receiving adequate food, it is precisely those tasked with guarding the remains of the Apostle.
A person named Rolo Cabrera pointed out that he was in the same unit as those young men: "The training is very demanding. I wasn’t one of them because I was part of the security team, but within the same unit, I assure you that what happens there is very tough, over 8 hours a day training for this type of duty or service. Even so, I wouldn’t dare to say that he won’t be the first case. With this country in such a dire situation, on the brink of collapse, many more will fall; it's just a matter of time."
In Cuba, where the government requires young people to serve in mandatory military service, many families face critical situations due to this imposition.
This is the case of Sandra Jiménez Cruz, a single mother from Moa, Holguín, who reported in the Facebook group "revolico holguín" how this obligation jeopardizes her already precarious family situation.
Jiménez explained that his eldest son has already completed military service, but now the youngest, who is 19, is being pressured to enlist: “I don’t agree with him going through that, because I live alone with him and my mother, who is sick and cannot be left alone.”
During the day, while she works, it is her youngest son who takes care of his grandmother, as the older brother lives independently.
The mother recounted that military authorities threatened to fine her 5,000 pesos if her son did not show up for the medical check-up for military service.
This case illustrates the devastating impact that mandatory military service has on vulnerable families, highlighting a system that, far from protecting its citizens, subjects them to decisions that further destabilize their daily lives.
Additionally, on social media, families often report the abuse and mistreatment that young people endure during mandatory military service, including alarming cases of suicides and deaths under such circumstances.
The mother of Nesky Gabriel Escalona Ortiz, a young Cuban man who was reported missing while serving in the military and was found dead six days later, confronted the officials during the boy's funeral.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba and Its Implications
What happened during the changing of the guard at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery?
A young soldier fainted during the changing of the guard at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. The incident was reported on social media, where possible causes were discussed, including physical exhaustion from standing for long hours or insufficient nutrition.
What are the criticisms of the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Mandatory Military Service in Cuba is criticized for placing a significant burden on families, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Reports include mistreatment, pressure to donate blood, and precarious conditions, which have even led to suicides and deaths among young recruits.
What measures does a Cuban family face if their child refuses to serve in the military?
Families whose children refuse to serve in the military may face severe penalties, such as fines or even imprisonment. This repressive system affects families like that of Sandra Jiménez Cruz, who relies on her youngest son to care for her sick mother.
What are the conditions of funeral services in Cuba?
Funeral services in Cuba are in crisis, facing frequent breakdowns of hearse vehicles and long waits to obtain coffins. This deterioration of the system impacts families during times of mourning, forcing them to seek makeshift solutions for burials.
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