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A distressing situation was experienced by the family of an elderly man who passed away in Santiago de Cuba when they saw that the coffin in which he was buried was made of cardboard.
A video shared on Facebook by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shows what happens in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where people who are suffering the pain of losing a loved one must endure another difficult moment due to the irresponsibility and poor performance of the municipal company.
The image shows a man inside a box, whose outer fabric lining was so poorly stitched that it tore at the corners and exposed the cardboard.
"The cardboard boxes, what a big thing," a woman was heard saying.
The workers lowered the coffin, fearing it would fall apart completely.
"They are stealing all the wood and even the nails," added the outraged relative.
Numerous internet users commented on the post, with indignation but without surprise, accustomed to the crisis in funeral services across the country.
According to the user identified as Barbie Ariel, in Cienfuegos, coffins are made from refrigerator and chicken boxes.
"When there is no gray fabric, they use white, and all the letters become transparent," she specified.
In July of last year, a Cuban reported the lack of a coffin and transportation for a deceased relative in the town of La Estrella in the municipality of Buey Arriba, Granma.
"Help me share this post. My uncle has been dead since yesterday. He is already decomposing, has a very bad odor, and there is no coffin or transport to take him for burial. Please help me," wrote Olenmis Mirando on Facebook, alongside a photo showing a body covered with a sheet and some flowers on top, appearing to be in the entrance of a house.
Four hours after the report, in the comments section of the same post, the woman updated that the situation had already been "resolved," but that a power outage had prevented her from notifying earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions about the funeral services crisis in Cuba
Why are cardboard boxes being used for burials in Santiago de Cuba?
Cardboard boxes are used due to the crisis in funeral services in Cuba, which is manifested in the lack of resources and appropriate materials for the manufacturing of coffins. This situation reflects the mismanagement and corruption in the institutions responsible.
What issues does funeral transportation face in Cuba?
Funeral transportation in Cuba is severely affected by the lack of vehicles and fuel, forcing families to seek alternatives such as Postal Service vehicles, tricycles, and even walking several kilometers with the coffin. This precarious situation is due to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of investment in the sector.
How do these shortages affect Cuban families during funerals?
The shortcomings in funeral services have a profound emotional and economic impact on Cuban families, who are forced to incur expenses and handle arrangements that should be the responsibility of the State. This situation exacerbates the pain of mourning and highlights institutional neglect during critical times.
What other situations have highlighted the funeral crisis in Cuba?
The funeral crisis has been evidenced in multiple shocking situations, such as the use of Cuba's postal trucks to transport coffins, burials in horse-drawn carts, and long waits for funeral services. These scenes illustrate the collapse of a system unable to ensure dignity in death.
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