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The image of a man eating food picked up from the ground on a street in Santiago de Cuba has caused an uproar on social media, where independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada made an urgent plea to the authorities to address this and other similar situations in the city.
In the message posted on her Facebook profile, Mayeta Labrada emphasized the need for intervention by party authorities, government officials, and the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba.
"Rather than writing a news article about this unfortunate situation, given that we lack accurate information about the man's identity or whether he has any mental health issues, we urge the authorities to take action," stated the journalist.
Mayeta emphasized that many of the homeless individuals have family members, but due to mental illness or addiction issues, they end up wandering, searching for food in trash or on the streets.
"At first glance, you see a well-dressed man, although he isn’t wearing shoes, and as I’m told, he was eating from the street while dragging himself along," he detailed.
The request included a direct criticism of the city officials, whom it held accountable for the lack of proper healthcare and social assistance programs.
"Our call is to the relevant executives who do not want to fulfill their responsibilities," he concluded.
The case has sparked a debate about the growing social and economic crisis in Cuba, where the lack of resources and basic services has severely impacted the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
"Whatever it may be, whether a boy, man, or woman, the hunger being experienced in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba, cannot be justified," wrote an internet user.
Another person mentioned that they were near the location when the incident occurred. "He had the sticks in a nylon bag; he took them out himself, threw them on the ground, and started eating them. He is a young man with mental disorders," they noted.
This situation is set against a backdrop of social and economic crisis that has pushed many citizens into extreme poverty and vulnerability. In recent months, several similar incidents have been reported in the region.
At the end of 2024, images were circulated of people collecting beans from the ground in Santiago de Cuba, following an accidental spill of this food item. Among the collectors were both adults and school-aged children, highlighting the desperation and the scarcity of food resources in the area.
In November 2024, several people were seen gathering spilled tomato puree on a central street in that city. Residents, regardless of the health risks, bent down to collect the food and take it home.
Homelessness has also increased in the city. In August 2024, there were reports of a rise in the number of homeless individuals sleeping on the streets of this eastern Cuban city, including elderly people and those with mental health issues, without the authorities taking effective measures to address this problem.
In response to this crisis, some activists and citizens have organized solidarity initiatives. For example, in December 2024, a community lunch was held that benefited 200 vulnerable individuals in Santiago de Cuba, highlighting the importance of solidarity in difficult times.
These events reflect an alarming reality in Santiago de Cuba, where food scarcity and the lack of support for homeless individuals necessitate urgent intervention from both the authorities and society as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social and Economic Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
Why has the image of a man eating off the ground in Santiago de Cuba gone viral?
The image has gone viral because it highlights the alarming situation of extreme poverty and homelessness faced by many people in Santiago de Cuba. It shows a man, apparently with mental health issues, eating from the ground on a busy street. This incident has caused outrage and prompted a call to action from the authorities, although there has been no effective response so far.
What is the current situation of homeless individuals in Santiago de Cuba?
In Santiago de Cuba, the number of homeless individuals has significantly increased, becoming a common and distressing sight in the city. This rise in homelessness is attributed to a lack of government attention and a shortage of basic resources, forcing many, including those with mental health disorders, to live on the streets without any state protection.
What does the collection of food from the soil in Santiago de Cuba reflect?
The harvesting of food from the ground reflects the deep food and economic crisis that the Cuban population is experiencing, particularly in Santiago de Cuba. These acts of desperation are a tangible evidence of the government's failure to provide effective solutions to ensure access to basic food, forcing people to resort to extreme measures for survival.
What actions are being taken to assist homeless individuals in Santiago de Cuba?
So far, no effective government actions have been implemented to assist homeless individuals in Santiago de Cuba. However, activists and citizens have organized solidarity initiatives, such as community lunches, to support the most vulnerable people in the community, highlighting the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.
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